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COUNTY OF PEEBLES
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
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THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR TWEEDDALE
L \
THE
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
FOR TWEEDDALE
BOOKS IV. and V.
LANDWARD PARISHES :
Broughton, Dolphinton, Drumelzier, Eddlestone, Innerleithen, Kailzie,
Kirkurd, Lyne and Megget, Manor, Newlands. Overseas,
Peebles (names omitted from Peebles volume).
Skirling, Stobo, Traquair, Tweedsmuir,
Walkerburn
By DR. GUNN
PEEBLES:
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY J. A. KERR & CO., 27 NORTHGATE
925
PREFACE
This Yolume contains Books IV. and V. of The Book of
Remembrance for Tweeddale. Its predecessors were those for
Peebles, in two volumes, and that for West Linton. Tlie series
is now complete : and everyone connected with the County who
died for the Empire is commemorated either by record or portrait,
or both.
C. B. G.
s
*%^'
X
.• 1-^
r
STOBO
rUR MOIIILK rllURCII OF TWEEDDALE.
'■'For the Ashes of our Fathers and the Temples of our Gods."
I
I
We give Thee thanks for our Heritage as the People of Scotland :
For the Land of our Fathers, the Land we love '.
For the Races we represent, Celtic and Scottish :
And for the special Gifts and Contribution of each to the whole :
For the Story of Scotland, so deeply written up-jn our Hearts and History :
For our Fathers and Brothers, the Men of Scotland :
For their F^ear of God : their Patriotism : their Battles for Freedom :
For their Mothers, the ^^'omen of Scotland, silent, tender, strong, who made the Men.
COUNTY OF PEEBLES
BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
CAPTAIN CHARLES C. WALKER
(Innerleithen)
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
1914. August 26.
Of all the men connected with Tweeddale who
fell in the war, the very first to fall was Captain
Charles Carbould Walker, son-in-law of Mr M.
G. Thorburn of Glenormiston. There were
eighteen from the County who fell in 1914.
Captain Walker was the eldest son of Mr W.
Eden Walker, Riftswood, Saltbum. He was
born in 1875, and waa educated at Eton and at
Tiinity Hall, Cambridge. He entered the Argyll
& Sutherland Highlanders in April 1900, and
was promoted Lieutenant in March 1904, and
Captain seven years later. He saw active ser-
vice in South Africa, fi-om 1900 to 1902, parti-
cipating in the operations in the Orange Free
State and in the Transvaal, east and west of
Pretoria.
Ho held the Queen's Medal with three clasps,
and the King's Medal with two clasps. He was
appointed Adjutant to the 4th Battalion (Royal
Renfrewshire Militia) Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders' Special Reserve, and was stationed
at Paisley.
In the Great War his fate was for a long time
uncertain; but it was finally esifcablisihed that
Captain Walker fell at Le Cateau on the 26th
August, 1914. His principal recreation was the
chase, being devoted to hunting, not missing a
meet whenever possible. He left a widow, one
girl, and a posthumous son.
Germany had declai'ed War upon France on
the 3rd of August, 1914; on the same day
Orders were prepa,red for Mobilisation of the
British Army. On the 4th of August Great
Britain protested in Berlin against the violation
by Germany of Belgian neutrality ; on that very
morning the Germans had violated Gemmenioh,
and had burned Vise, and had attacked Liege.
Germany then declared war on Belgium. Brit-
ish Mobilisation Orders were issued : Sir John
Jellicoe took command of the British Fleet.
The British sent an ultimatum to Germany,
whose period expired at 11 p.m. on the night
of Tuesday, August 4, 1914. Britain was now
at war with Germany.
British troops landed in France on Sunday,
August 9, and their disembarkation was com-
pleted by August 16. The Battle of Charleroi
was fought on August 21, and ended on the
23rd with the defeat of the French. The Battle
of Mona began on this day, Sunday, August
23, and the retreat of the Allies began on the
following day. On the 25th we had sever©
Battles at Landrecies .and Maroilles; and on
Wednesday, tlie 26th of August, when Captain
Walker fell, the first Battle of Le Cateau began.
" 0, valiant hearts who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle
flame :
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved ;
Your memoiy hallowed in the land you loved.
" Proudly you gathered rank on rank to war,
As who had heard God's message from afar.
All you had hoped for, all you had you gave
To save mankind — yourselves j^ou scorned to
save. ' '
PRIVATE JOHN SCOTT
(Eddleston)
RoyAL Scots Greys.
1914. September 10.
An Eddleston man. Private John Scott, of
The Royal Soots Greys, was the second man to
fall. He formerly resided with his parents at
Cottage Bank, Eddleston. This was one of those
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
early cases in the beginning of the war, when
our Intelligence Department was in a state of
incompleteness, so that his telatives never re-
ceived anj' definite information as to his fate.
He fell in battle between the Marne and tbe
Aisne on Thursday, the 10th September, 1914,
and his body was buned in Grandeleau Cemetery.
No other details ever came to hand.
The first Battle of the Marne ended on this
day, the Gennans retreating on the west and
centre, evacuating Pont-a-Mousson. This hap-
pened on a Tliursday, the victory of the Allies
being complete. The Allies began to advance
rapidly. The Britisli crossed the Ourcq on the
following day. The Battle of Nancy, which
had begun on August 22, ended in complete
failure for the Germans. On Sunday, Sep-
tember 13, the Battle of the Aisne began, the
British forcing the passage of the river.
Not in low graves forgotten do they lie.
In vasit unwept obhvion's slumber deep,
Who for liigh holy honour freely die,
Heaven's gift of freedom stainless still to
Nay — let their blood-stained dust be scattered
far —
Each freeman's heart becomes their living
grave ;
Their memory shineth ever, like a star.
Above the Empire which they die to save.
PRIVATE JOHN MAGUIRE
(Tr.\quaib and Innerleithen)
1st Cameron Highlanders.
1914. September 26.
A native of Traquair, and residing with
his sister and brother in Innerleithen,
Private John Maguire was the third man
of Tweeddale to fall. He was born on
the 11th December, 1878, and enlisted in
the year 1900. He was drafted in turn
to Gibraltar, Crete, Malta, South Africa, and
China. In 1908 he was discharged from the
Army. He returned as a Reservist at the be-
ginning of the war in August, 1914. As a
member oi the First Expeditionai-y Force,
which was fatuously styled by the Gei-man
Emperor General French's contemptible army,
Private Maguire went to France in the be-
ginning. He was reported missing during the
retreat from Mons on Saturday, tlio 26tii Sej)-
tember, 1914, and was presumed killed on that
date.
The Battle of the Aisne had begun on Sep-
tember 13 and continued until September 28.
A battle at Albert had been raging for two
days, and yet continued, fierce fighting taking
place from Oise to Somme St Mihiel.
" On the dim tombs of time I see
The names of men who sti'ove in vain
To lift the load, to breiak the chain :
Then why a better grave for me ?
O Thou the First, and Last, the Whole,
Thou Who from toil and tears of man
Dost shape on earth Thy mighty plan
And build while all the ages roll.
Enough it is for me to know
That all the travail of the yeacs.
The gleams of hope, the clouds of tears,
Add something to Thy work below."
TROOPER EDWARD EGAN
(Walkerburn)
9th Queen's Royal Lancers.
1914. October 21.
Official information was received to the effect
that Trooper Edwai-d Egan had been killed in
action on the 21st October, 1914. He was aged
29. Originally he was holding a clerical post in
London about the year 1905, when he enlisted
in the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers. Aftei- serving
three years in South Africa with the Lancers,
he returned to his home in 1912. Previous to
the outbreak of the war, Edward Egan was in
employment at the Post Office of Walkerbum,
where meanwhile he was also studying for the
Civil Service. As a Reservist he was called up
in 1914, and was one of the very first soldiers
to land on French soil. He was in the thick of
the fighting from the vea-y beginning, and was
one of those gallant heroes at the silencing of
the guns when the la.te Captain Gi-enfell won
the first Victoria Cross in the war. He came
safely tlirough tlie i-etreat, but was killed
sliortly thereafter ait Meesines Wood, whei-© his
body was buried.
The first Battle of Ypres had begun on
October 19. The fighting was raginig around
Arnis, The 21st (Wednesday), when Egan fell,
was a critical day on the Yser, when Dixmude
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
and Ai'ras were heavily bombarded and
assaulted.
None shall find deatli so good as theirs hence-
forth.
Music and verse, great monuments, in vain
Shall seek to rival them. As things unworthy,
Carelessly as a sower scatters grain,
They hurled their starry souls countless to
heaven.
SEAMAN WILLIAM J. SCOTT
(Walkebbukn)
H.M.S. ViKNOB.
1915. January 19.
On the 19th January, 1915, there was found
on the west side of the island of Jura the body
of a man, near to which was lying a rubber life-
collar and disc attached. The collar and disc
were taken possession of by the competent
naval authority of the district, and it is sup-
posed that they were part of the equipment of
William J. Scott, a seaman of the ill-fated
H.M.S. Viknor, which was sunk by a mine some
time previously. Scott was a member of the
Edinburgh Fire Brigade, and the Firemaster
thereof was of opinion that the body answered
to that of Scott. Apparently Scott was the
only member of the Edinburgh Fire Brigade who
was a Naval Reservist, and the fact that the
man was wearing a jersey belonging to the
Brigade practically established his identity.
Soott's widow resided at 34 Ballantyne's Build-
ings, Walkerburn, and the Procurator-Fiscal at
Dunoon communicated with Mr J. Walter
Buchan, the Procurator Fiscal for Peeblesshii-e,
on the matter. As a result of the police' en-
quiries here Mrs Scott has been able to identify
the articles found on the body as those of her
husband. The difficulty in establishing identity
at first was due to the fact that the rubber-
collar and disc were not discovered on the body,
but a few yards apart from it. He joined the
Royal Navy as a boy, serving both at home and
abroad, in China, Nova Scotia, and other parts.
He bought himself off in 1908, and joined the
Fleet Reserve, at the same time becoming a
member of the City of Edinburgh Fire Brigade.
A brother fell later.
You were ; and you will be ; know this while
you are.
Your spirit has travelled both long and afar.
It came from the source, to the source it
returns,
The spark that was lighted eternally burns.
PRIVATE DAVID F. DAVIDSON
(Walkebbuen)
8th Royal Scots (Territorials).
1914. December 22.
News was received in Walkerburn of the
death of Private David F. Davidson, of the 8th
Royal Scots (Territorials), son of Andrew David-
son, sem'., East End, Walkerburn. Private
Davidson, who was only twenty years of age,
contracted enteric fever, and died at Rouen on
Tuesday, December 22, 1914. He had three
brothers serving in the Army, two of these be-
ing at the front^ — W. Davidson, 1st Scots
Guards; J. Davidson, 8th Royal Scots (TeiTi-
torials) ; and A. L. Davidson, in the Royal Scots,
Kitchener's Army.
British Expeditionary Force,
France, 2nd January, 1915.
Dear Mrs Davidson, — The sad news of the
death of your son David has just reached me
officially to-jiight. I had certainly heard
rumours before this, but, desirous of hoping
against hope, I was loath to believe them,
but now that confirmation has come to hand,
we must submit to the working of God's pro-
vidence and accept His decree. Your son,
although not cut down in the forefront of the
battle, nevertheless gave up his life for his
country, and this thought will, I trust, tend
to lessen for you the great blow you must
have suffered by his death. To' die for one's
country is the noblest and best thing it is pos-
sible for a man to do. Let this thought com-
fort and console you. Your son, until unfor-
tunately he broke down in health, performed
his duties, arduous as they many time® were,
in a truly soldierly manner. He was always
bright and cheery, and all ranks shall miss
his cheery comradeship. Much as we all de-
plore his loss, the sympathy of all ranks goes
out to you and all his sorrowing relations.
Personally I feel that I have lost a young
friend, a steady and reliable man, and a
good soldier.
Call him not dead who fell at duty's feet,
And passed through light where earth and
heaven meet.
To radiant rest.
Call him not dead —
But say — The warfare waged, the victory won,
He has gone West !
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE GEORGE RUSSELL
(Eddleston)
1st Oaiieeon Highlandees.
1914. Betwt:en October 22 and 24.
Before the war George Russell had been
soldiering in three countries — China, India, and
South Africa. On the 4th of August, 1914, he
was called up as a reservist of tlie 1st Cameron
Highlanders, and went through a terrible time
after tlieir departui'e from Inverness. He was
slightly wounded at first and was invalided
home to Tranent, but soon returned to the
front and was sent up the line, where he fell
either on Thursday, October 22, or 24. Fight-
ing was raging for days upon the Yser. The
struggle for Dixmude continued. The Gler-
mans captured Langemarcke, and battle went
on around La Bassee, where tlie Germans strove
to break through for ten days. The Germans
took Lombartzyde, but suffered repulse. On the
24th Indian troops began to arrive near
Bethune.. The battle around Arras was at its
height when George Russell fell.
London men and Irish,
Indian men and French,
Charging with the bayonet.
Firing in the trench,
Fought in that furious fight, shoulder to
shoulder.
Leapt from their saddles to charge in fierce
disorder,
The Life Guards, mud and blood for the scarlet
and the plume,
And they hurled back the foemen as thei wind
the sea spume.
From Bixschoote to Baecelaere and down to
Lvs river.
SERGEANT WILLIAM CLEGHORN
(Innerleititen)
8th Royal Scots (Innerleitjien Territorials).
1914. November 27.
At No. 7 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, on
Friday, 27tli November, 1914, Sergeant William
Cleghorn, beloved husband of Marion Simpson,
aged 42. Pressman in Waverley Mills.
Sergeant W. Cleghorn, Munro Buildings,
Innerleithen, a member of the 8th Royal Scots
(Innerleithen Territorials), succumbed to his
wounda received in action in hospital, at Bou-
logne, France. lie left a widow and two sons
and a daughter. He was the fir.st Innerleithen
resident to fall,
The following letters were received by Mrs
Cleghorn from the Hospital, and are of in-
terest as showing the great care which was be-
stowed on our wounded in France : —
No. 7 Stationary Hospital,
Boulogne, November 24th
Dear Mrs Cleghorn, — Your husband, Ser-
geant Cleghorn, has been admitted tO' this
Hospital, having been wounded by a bullet.
He has asked me to write to you and tell you.
I am sorry to say that his wound is of a ser-
ious nature, and we shall be very anxious
about him for a few days, but we hope to be
able to give you good news. He came down
from the front last evening, and does not seem
to suffer very much. You will be glad to
know that everything is being done'. He is
having skilled doctors and nurses, and the
Hospital is very comfortable. He would have
liked to come to England, but he is too ill to
be moved. He sends hisi love.
No. 7 Stationary Hospital,
Boulogne, November 27th.
Dear Madam, — I deeply regret to tell yon
that your dear husband passed away quietly
in his sleep to-day at 2 p.m. He was brought
into Hospital on the 24th in the evening,
mortally wounded. He was in great pain
when he came in, but the doctor was able at
once to do something to relieve his pain, and
I do not think that the last three days he has
suffered. He did not know that he was
dying, but passed away quietly. The Chap-
lain, Canon Hook, saw him every day, and
should you care to write to him at the address
at the top of this letter he would, I am sui-e,
be pleased to answer your letter and to tell
you about the funeral arrangements. It will
be some small comfort to you to know that
he had every care and attention whilst in
Hospital, and seemed happy. He was a gi'eat
favourite with the Sisters of the ward he was
in. With deep sympathy.
" One standing on the path with hands out-
st'i-etched.
They follow, and the hard ascent seems
smooth.
Till, when they reach the upper light serene.
They look upon their Tycader face to face :
Straightway they know Ilim and themselves
are known.
Then are they glad, because they are at rest.
Brought to the haven at last where they
would be,"
Private Joicn Maguire, Teaquair and Innerleithen.
Captain Charles C. Walker, Innerleithen.
Private John Scott, Eddleston.
Trooper Edward Egan, Walkerburn.
!5»« ■>■
Skajian Wii.LTAJi J. Scott. Walkerburn.
I'rivate Gi:orgb "Russell, Eddleston.
ririV\IP \),\\lll I. IjAVlUSO.N, \\ ALKIMUIIIUN
Seimihant William ( i.ecjiidkn, iNNKRLEiTirnN.
Private Arthur Campbell, Innerleithen.
Private Archibald J. Smith, Innerleithen.
Private Andrew B. Roberts, Wai.kerburn,
L.-Cpl. James Turnbull, Innerleithen,
Private WiLLixi.ii Thokbur^j, Tvveedsmuik.
IMaJOE J)A\n> Ku'UAUDSliX S^ANPK.UAN,
Walkekbuen, Edulestone, 1'eebles, Canada.
I'liivAiii JoHKi'H Dick, Manok amj Canada.
Lieut, Thomas A, G. Milliji. KjjtKUKD,
Private George E. Freckleton, Traquair..
Col.-Sergt. Alexr. Scougall,
Manor and Peebles.
Pbivate Williaji Babtleman, Kibktxrr,
Sergi', George Tt-Jbnbull, Innekleith:en,
James Aitken, James Jarvie Aitken,
Baby Aitken. Walkerburn.
Second-Lieut. Andrew Gray, Manou.
Ul'.ncaw M, Guant i'EHouaoN, 1nnerIjEith£n.
PlUVATK KalpH TaIT,
Kailzie, Traquaib and Beouguton.
^'■^
x\--^
SiiBGEANT William Camfbell,
"Walkerburx .
LANCE-CoRPOfiAL Clifton W. J. Laurie,
Stobo AND Australia.
Private George G. Henderson,
Innerleithen and Australia.
Laxce-Corforal TniiMAs Gardner,
Innerleithen.
Private John Sievewright,
Innerleithen.
Gunner Donald McGlashan,
Eddleston and Walkerbuen.
Sbhoeant Jamkh Ohmihton (Ihaiiam,
UueuauTON.
William rARKLii.
fci'l'OBO.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE ARTHUR CAMPBELL
(Inneeleithen)
EoTAii Scots.
1915. Janu.vbt 20.
The German bullets claimed another life
from the Innerleithen Company of Terri-
torials, in the person of Private Arthur Camp-
bell. The news was received by Mrs Campbell
from Lieutenant Young:, Officer commanding
F Company, Innerleithen Eoyal Scots, stat-
ing that her husband was killed on Wednes-
day, the 20th January, while being relieved
off sentry duty, being shot by a Gterman
sniper; death was instantaneous. Private
Campbell, who was a painter to trade, and
served a short time in the army when a young
man, left a wife and family of five young
children. He set out from Innerleithen only
four weeks previous to his death, having
joined the Territorials two months before.
With some others, he put in the initial stages
of drill at home, then went to Haddington,
and having volunteered for foreign service,
accompanied the second draft of the Battalion
to the Front. The followang is the message
received by Mrs Campbell : —
British Expeditionary Force,
France, 21st January, 1915.
Deae Mes Campbell,— I deeply regret to
inform you of the death of your husband
yesterday, Wednesday morning, at 4 a.m.
He had just finished his duty as sentry and
was turning in for a well-earned rest when
he was mortally hit by a bullet from a Ger-
man sniper. His death was instantaneous,
and he died without suffering I need not
say that we all deplore his loss, and in his
death we feel that we ha\e lost a good com-
rade and soldier. He was always so gentle
and unassuming, so ready and willing, that
in the short space he had been with us we
had all learned to love him. The heartfelt
sympathy of all ranks goes out to you and
his little ones, and our earnest prayer is
that He who is the widow's shield and the
orphan's stay may comfort and sustain you
in your time of sore bereavement. He died
at the post of duty, and nobly and willingly
laid down his life for his country — a nobler
end no man could wish for. That thought
may be, I trust, some consolation to you for
the loss of one whom J know was a devoted
luisband and father. With our united deep-
est sympathy.
From body to body your spirit speeds on;
It seeks a new form when the old one has
gone;
And the Form that it finds is the fabric you
wrought
On the loom of the mind, with the fibre of
thought.
PRIVATE ANDREW B. ROBERTS
(Walkeebtibn)
2nd Gordon Highlandees.
1915. Maech 11.
Notification was received by Mr Eichard
Roberts, Tweedside Cottages, Walkerburn,
that his son, Andrew B. Eoberts, 2nd Gordon
Highlanders, had been killed in action at
Neuve Chapelle, on Thursday, the 11th March,
1915. Private Eoberts was in his 24th year,
and unmarried. Previous to the war he was
employed as a chauffeur at Kingscable, Lin-
lithgow. He enlisted on the outbreak of the
war, and was drafted to France only six
weeks before he fell. Until recently. Private
Eoberts resided with his parents at Beaver-
halll Terrace, Edinburgh, the family removing
to Walkerburn not very long before the war.
The Battle of Neuve Chapelle had begun on
the 10th of March, the day before Andrew
Eoberts fell. On the 11th, the British made
progress near Neuve Chapelle, occupying the
village of I'Epinette. On the day following
the German counter-attacks were repulsed,
and on tlie 13th their attacks failed.
Once list to the Spirit, all tumult is done.
Your life is the life of the Infinite One;
In the hurrying race you are conscioxis of
pause.
With love for the purpose, and love for the
cause.
PRIVATE ARCHIBALD J. SMITH
(Inneeieithen)
Aeqtll and Sutherland Highlanders.
1915. Maech 17.
In loving memory of Archibald J. Smith,
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, killed in
action at Neuve Chapelle, 17th March, 1915,
aged 24 and a half years ;
Also his cousins. Company Sergeant-Major
A Doherty, 10th Highland Light Infantry,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
killed in action, 18th March, 1916, aged 32
years, and interred in Pleiiegstreert Ceme-
tery, Belgium ;
And Quartermaster Sergeant J. Doherty, re-
ported missing, 21st March, 1918, presumed
killed on that date, 2-5tli Seaforths, aged 24
and a half years.
" And in. the Morn those angel faces smile.
Which we have loved long since and lost
awhile."
German snipers claimed Avchihald Smith a«
a victim. News came to the burgli from a
cousin of Private A. J. Smith that the latter
had been shot through the head. His father
received confirmation from the War OfiBce
that his son had been killed in action in
France on Wednesday, the 17tli March, 1915.
His family went from Peebles many years ago.
Prior to joining the Argyll & Sutherland
Hig'hlanders, the deceased was engaged work-
ing at the pits near Polmont, and later, was
on Home Defence at Whitby in the month of
September when the Germans attacked that
town and its abbey. Two months before he
fell. Private Smith was drafted from the 2nd
to the 1st Battalion, and was ordered to the
Front. He joined up at Stirling in Septem-
ber, 1914; went to France in February, 1915;
and fell in six weeks. He was never at home.
He had two brothers serving.
There is no noble height thou canst not
climb.
All triumphs may be thine in Time's
futurity,
If whatsoe'er thy fault, thou dast not faint
nor halt,
But lean upon the staff of God's security.
Earth has no claim the Soul can not contest.
Know thyself part of the Eternal Source,
And naught can stand before thy Spirifs
force.
Tlie soul's divine inheritance is best.
Volunteers who left Haddington for the Front
along with the First Detachment of the Royal
Scots on the 2nd of November, 1914. He was
one of five brothers serving with the Imperial
Forces: — Hugh, a member of the same Com-
pany of the 8tli Royal Scots in France;
Robert, in the 12th Royal Scots in Kitchener's
Army; George, with the second contingent of
the Australian Expeditionary Force; John, a
sergeant in the King's Own Scottish Bor-
derers, who fought at the Dardanelles. His
brother, George, was doomed to fall on the
12th of May in the same year, 1915.
I regret very much to have to inform you
that your son, James, was killed by a. shot
from a German sniper at mid-day to-day
(Wednesday). He had just left the trench
for a few minutes when we were suddenly
all alarmed by his cry. Willing hands ten-
derly carried him to the shelter of a dug-
out where, on examination, his wound was
found to be a very serious one. He lingered
for about half-an-hour ere passing peacefully
away. To all outward appearance his last
moments were free from suffering, the know-
ledge of which may lessen the severity of the
loss and the wrench to you all. Your son
was a good soldier, painstaking to a degree in
the performance of his duti&s, willing, active,
and obliging, and a man held in high esteem
by the ofiicers and men of his Company. I
need not say we all deplore his loss very
much indeed, and we deeply sympathise
with you and yours in the great loss sus-
tained by you. We buried him to-night
with Christian rites immediately behind the
lines. There a simple wooden cross marks
the last resting place of one, who in life,
proved himself to be a brave and gallant
soldier.
" And some, the goodliest and the best
Beloved alike by comrades and commanders
Alas, untimely seek their rest
Beneath the soil of Flanders."
LCE.-CPL. JAMES TURNBULL
(Innerleithen)
RorAL Scots.
1915. Maech 17.
Previous to the outbreak of the war, Lance-
Corporal Turnhull, who was twenty-tliree
year.H of ago and a millworker to trade, was a
Territorial soldier in the Innerleithen com-
panies, He was one of tiie gallant band of
PRIVATE WILLIAM THORBURN
(TWEEDSMDm)
Pbincbss Patricia's Canadian Infantet.
1915. March 22.
William Thorburn was one of sis brothers,
sons of Mr William Thorburn, Hearthstanes,
Tweedsmuir, all of whom were serving their
country by sea or air or land. H© was born
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
in 1883, and educated at Watson's College.
During the Boer War he joined the Imperial
Yeomanry, and was transferred to the Rough
Riders ajid saw much service in South Africa.
Invalided home, William Thorburn was
awarded a pension for a year, and the war
medal with five clasps. He was at Toronto
when the present war began, and enlisted
forthwith in Princess Patricia's Light Infan-
try, arriving in England for training with the
first Canadian Contingent, and crossed to
France in December, 1914. He was wounded
in the head at Bailleul, and was oflEicially re-
ported dead. Signs of life remained, however,
and he was eventually transferred to Craig-
leith Hospital, Edinburgh, where, though
speechless and paralysed, he knew his friends.
He lingered on until Monday, March 22nd,
when he died. He lies buried in Edinburgh,
after having with characteristic fortitude
faced death for his country in two continents.
His brother, an airman, was to fall on Feb-
ruary 11, 1917.
I vow to thee, my country — all earthly
things above —
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of
my love.
The love that asks no question: the love
that stands the test.
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the
best:
The love that never falters, the love that
pays the price.
The love that makes undaunted the final
sacrifice.
And there's another country, I've heard of
long ago-
Most dear to them that love her, most great
to them that know—
We may not count her armies : we may not
see her King —
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride
is suffering —
And soul by soul and silently her shining
bounds increase.
And her ways are ways of gentleness and all
her paths are Peace.
PRIVATE JOSEPH DICK
(Manob and Canada)
Canadian Infantry.
1915. April 22-26.
Not much is known of this man belonging
{■> the parish of Manor; the family also hav-
ing associations with the adjoining parish ot
Lyue. He himself joined up at the beginning
of the war, from Winnipeg. He fell in the
Battle of Ypres.
This was Thursday the very day on which
the Second Battle of Ypres began. The town
itself was largely destroyed. The German ad-
vance, however, was checked by the Cana-
dians, of whom Joseph Dick was a gallant
member. The Canadians achieved' this feat
after the French had been forced to retire,
owing to an attack by poison gas. The
French, however, made progress near St
Mihiel.
Joseph Dick was the first man connected
with the parish of Manor to fall.
A brother, George, also fell on November
16, 1914.
What, Man, shall God remember when the
world of men is cold ?
All the anguish, all the violence, that have
wracked it from of old?
Be you not too sure; for haply when the
troublers yet to como.
Like the dreaded Eoman legions or the
Tartar hordes, are dumb,
God shall see an ancient hill-top where an
unremembered boy
Laughed because the earth was lovely and
to live and breathe was joy.
MAJOR DAVID RICHARDSON
SAN DEM AN
(Walkebbuen, Eddlestone, Peebles,
Canada)
5th Canadian Infantry, First Contingent.
1915. April 24-26.
He belonged to Pine Lake, Alberta, and was
the son of Richard Sandeman and Elizabeth
Gill. He fell at the age of 35.
Major Sandeman was born at Lenzie on the
27th January, 1880. He was educated at the
Albany Academy, Glasgow, and King Wil-
liam's College, Isle of Man. He served his
apprenticeship in the mills of Messrs Ballan-
tyne, March St., Peebles, but becoming inter-
ested in the Canadian far west, he went to
Pine Lake, Alberta, in the spring of 1904, and
taking up virgin land brought it under culti-
vation. He had been a member of the Peebles-
shire Volunteers, and when a troop of Light
Horse was organised at Pine Lake, he joined
at once, and went to Calgary each June for
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
the annual training. He had received a com-
mission, and became Major of the 35th Cen-
tral Alberta Light Horse before the outbreak
of war.
When war was declared he trained his men
at Eed Deer until the camp at Valcartier was
ready for use. When it was announced that
cavaliy were not being accepted from Canada,
his men all volunteered as infantry and came
to Salisbury Plain with the 5th Canadian
Infantry, First Contingent, in October, 1914.
The Canadians went to France in the early
days of 1915, and their firet engagement was
at Ypres, 22nd April, 1915, when Major San-
deman was seriously wounded. The battalion
fell back, but the Doctor remained in the
dressing station with two wounded ofiBcers
and fourteen men. They all fell into the
hands of the enemy, and although the dress-
ing station was retaken, it was found' that
most of the men and all the officers had died.
Major Sandeman was among the latter.
" And you, our brothers, who for all our
praying,
To this dear school of ours come back no
more ;
Who lie, our country's debt of honour
paying,
And not in vain, upon the Belgian shore.
Till that great day, when, at the throne in
heaven.
The books are opened and the judgment
set.
Your lives for honour and for Britain given.
The school will not forget."
LIEUT. THOMAS A. G. MILLER
(Kibkubd)
1st K.O.S.B.
1915. AriUL 25.
Lieutenant T. A. G. Miller, Ist K.O.S.B.,
who was killed in the landing at the Darda-
nelles, was the older son of the Ecv. T. D.
and Mrs Miller, Manse of Kirkurd, Peebles-
shire; Grandson of Thomas Miller, LL.D.,
Justice of the Peace of tlie County of Perth,
and a great nephew of General Sir Archibald
Galloway, K.C.B.
Lieutenant Miller was educated at Ed'in-
))urgh Academy and afterwards at Fettes Col-
lex<'- BcHides gaining awards at botli schools,
III' (listingiiislied liiiiiscli in (lie plnyiiig fields.
He was a three-quarter back in Fettes XV. of
1911-12, and in school sports won the open
mile. He also won the Potts prize in the
same year, as the best gymnast of the school.
He entered Sandhurst in 1912, and played full
back for the College team in the last match
that he played, against Woolwich ; and filled
the same position in the Combined Woolwich
and Sandhurst match against the Army in
London. He received his commission in the
K.O.S.B., and joined the 1st Battalion at
Lucknow in the spring of 1914. He returned
liome with the regiment in December, 1914.
Lieutenant Miller fell in leading an assault
against one of the Turkish machine guns at
the Dardanelles, Sunday, April 25.
His brother, A. W. B. Miller, was to fall on
July 13, 1917.
Tliy body lies in Alien earth.
Not in the soil that gave thee birth ;
Amid the foam of Euxine seas
Death sought and found thee, Cleistlienes.
How oft across the homeless main
Thy heart turned homewards, turned again.
Alas, that thou didst never see
The sea-girt isle that nurtured thee !
PTE. GEORGE E. FRECKLETON
(Kailzie, Teaquaie)
2nd Battalion Se.vforth Highlanders.
1915. May 2.
He joined the army in February, 1913, and
went to France in September, 1914. He was
wounded and taken prisoner at St Tulien, 25th
April, 1915, and died at Kriegs-Lazarette,
Eoseclare, Germany, on Sunday, the 2nd May,
1915, aged twenty.
The Battle of Festubert had closed on the
25th of April, having begun on the 22nd. The
German attack was repulsed' on the 23rd, and
the final German attack east of Ypres was re-
pulsed on the 24th. Ground' east of Festu-
bert was made good, and the French captured
Les Corneilles.
" All— Saints, the Unknown Good tliat rest
In God's still memory folded deep;
The Bravely Dumb that did their deed.
And scorned to blot it with a name.
Men of the jilain heroic breed,
Tluit loved Heaven's silence more thiui
fame."
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIX'ATE WILLIAM BARTLEMAN
(KlHKUED)
5th Royal Scots, Machine Gun Section.
1915. Mat 3.
William George Baitleman (Bill), elder son
of James Bartkman, 1 Merchiston Park,
Edinburgh, and grandson of the late Archi-
bald Bartleman, Blyth, Peeblesshire, was
born on the 9t]i January, 1894, and' was edu-
cated at George Watson's College. He was a
member of the College O.T.C., tlie Athletic
Club, and of the Lismore Football Chib. He
bad been for three years in the service of the
Scottish Metropolitan Insurance Company,
and at the outbreak of war was on the staff of
tlie Standard Insurance Company. His was
the first death recorded of their employees.
He joined the 5th Eoyal Scots, leaving Edin-
burgh in March, 1915, as oue of the Machine
Gun Section of that battalion.
Coming safely through the awful landing at
Gallipoli on the 2bih April, 1915, he was
wounded by shrapnel on the 2nd of May, and
died of his wounds on the foUo'n'ing day (Mon-
day).
" He has lost his life in a Great Cause,
but his memory will ever live in the deeds
which he and his comrades did during those
terrible days and nights which succeeded
the landing on Gallipoli. As you doubtless
know, our battalion has won immortal
fame for its work since 25tli April, 1915, and
that glory is in no small measure due to the
Machine Gun Section that under fearful
difficulties accomplished much good work."
" We all liked Bill Bartleman, and the
cheery way with which he put up with tlie
discomforts of active service when h© join-
ed us endeared him to me more than ever.
I had a great admiration for his pluck and
his keenness, for lie was an all-round eports-
raan, and the cheery enthusiasm with which
he entered into whatever duty came his
way made him loved by all."
" A generous, high-spirited lad, keen in
the performance of duty, w-ith a really fine
nature."
His brother, Thomas, was to fall on Sep-
tember 6, 1917.
If they, who lie beneath the wooden crosses.
Or in the depths of horror-laden sea,
Had reckoned up their profits and their
losses.
Before they went to die for you and me.
If tliey, the wives and mothers, broken-
hearted
Had paused awhile, to count the bitter
cost.
Before they spake the farewell words, and
parted
With the brave hearts they loved and
gave, and lost.
Ah, then, our vaunted " land of hope and
glory "
Had been a prize for ravening foes to
share.
And Britain's history, a finished story.
For us, a land of darkness and' despair.
" Lefit we forget," ah, no, we must re-
member.
The lads who guarded us through flood
and flame,
And learn through them, this solemn, proud
November,
To carry on, be men, and play the game.
See, how the nations watch us from afar.
And some would glory in our islands'
shame.
Arise, and from the chaos of this war,
Eebuild, an Empire, worthy of its name.
COL, -SECT. ALEXR. SCOUGAL.L
(Manor, Peebles, and China)
Eoyal Marine Light Infantet.
1915. Mat 3.
Killed in action at the Dardanelles, Colour-
Sergeant Alexander Scougall, Eoyal Marine
Light Infantry, third son of the late George
Scougall, Cross St., Peebles, by Ms second
wife, Agnes Kay. He was born in the cot-
tage of tha Black Dwarf, Woodhouse, Manor,
on Monday, the 25th of May, 1873. He was
educated at Manor, Walkerburn, and Peebles
Public Schools; joined the Eoyal Marine
Light Infantry at Edinburgh in November,
1S90; did one year's boy's service; passed' for
corporal at Chatham, 13th July, 1894, with 98
marks, and Avas awarded fir?t-class certificate;
and for sergeant at Walmer, 31st T^Iarch, 1896,
obtaining 187 marks and a special certificate;
10
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
served iu the Orinoco Eiver in H.M.S. Fan-
tome during the dispute between the United
States and Venezuela and Britain ; in tlie
South African War (medal), and in China ;
and on completing his twenty-two years' ser-
vice (October, 1912), entered the Shanghai
Municipal Council's service.
When war broke out he was an inspector in
the Shanghai Public Works Department, and
immediately volunteered, but was not accept-
ed until October. He left within twenty-four
hours for London, but the Japanese boat by
which he travelled took sixty-five days to do
the trip, 12,000 miles, being held np in the
Indian ocean for ten days by the German
cruiser, Emd'en.
He took part in the landing at the Darda-
nelles, 25th April, 1915, and was killed in
action at Quiun's Post, Gaba Tepe, between 9
and 10 a.m. on the 3rd May following. He
was unmarried. He was an all-round sports-
man, played cricket and' football, and was in
the tug-of-war team in Shornclifle District
Tournament in 1897.
What did he give that was more than the
rest?
For many have suffered and died.
He buried his name in the earth's torn
breast
As he passed on the deathless tide!
What did he do that he earned the right
To a Nation's heart salute?
His last great deed was hidden from sight
In a silence tense and mute!
And why does the love of a Nation weep?
There were others as gallant and brave
Ah, myriad heroes are laid to sleep
By that Tweeddslo warrior's grave.
SERGT. GEORGE TURNBULL
(Innerleithen)
AustkajjIAn Imperial Force.
1915. M.\.Y 12 (Wednesday).
Considerable sympathy was expressed among
all classes in Iiinerleitlien when tlio news
spread tlirougli the town tlial Mv and Mrs
Turnbull, Loitliun Mill Loilgc, had sustained
nnother lo.ss in the death of their eldest son,
George, a Sergeant in (ho Australian Imperial
Force. This occurnil luil i\\<] iiKinllis allcr
the doiitli of Ihi'ii' son. .James, and happened
in uclion al tlic Dardanelles. He was a
member of the 14th Battalion. While in
Innerleithen, George Turnbidl was for some
time Chief Templar of St Eonan's Lodge of
Good Templars, in which Order he took a very
active interest, and was a thorough-going ad-
vocate of temperance. Later he emigrated to
Australia, and became employed on a farm
there. Immediately on the outbreak of war
h© enlisted, and having a good knowledge of
drill and musketry, he was soon promoted
Sergeant. After undergoing a course of train-
ing in Australia, the Contingent was sent to
Egpyt, and thence to the Dardanelles, where
S^'ergeaut George fell, along with thousands of
others of those gallant and handsome fellows.
War Ofhce, London.
Sir, — I am commanded by the Army Coun-
cil to inform you that they have learned
with great satisfaction that you have had
five sons in His Majesty's Forces, and tiiat
you yourself are an old Volunteer, and that
you devote all your spare time to recruiting
and drilling. The Coimcil desires to con-
gratulate you upon this fact, and to assure
you that they fully appreciate the credit
due to a family that has so good a record to
show.
I am further to express the Council's sym-
pathy in the loss of your two gallant sous
who have fallen in action.
After receiving the foregoing letter, Mr
Turnbull was officially notified that his second
son, Sergeant John Turnbull, King's Own
Scottish Borderers, had been wounded in the
Dardanelles.
There were also Private E. L. Turnbull,
12th Royal Scots, who also was wounded; and
Private Hugh Turnbull, 8th Eoyal Scots, in
France.
It is of interest to note that Ihoi deceased
Sergeant George Turnbull enlisted as a boy of
twelve in the Selkirk Company of the Volun-
teers, and became a bugler; he had thus been
a soldier by far the greater part of his strenu-
ous life.
His brother, James Turnbull, fell on March
17, 1915.
I've had my .share of pu'stiiiie and I'\o done
my share of toil,
And life is short— the longest life a spun—
I care not now to tarry for the clover or for
the oiL
Or for the wine tli;ii nialvclli glad the
heart of man;
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
11
For good undone, and deeds misspent, and
resolutions vain
'Tis somewliat late to trouble. This I
know:
I would live the same life over if I had to
live again.
And the chances are I go where most men
go.
The deep blue skies was dusky, and the tall
green trees groAV dim.
The sward beneath me seems to heave and
fall.
And sickly smoky shadows througli the
sleepy sunlight swim.
And on the very sun's face weave their
pall.
Let me slumber in tlie hollow where the
wattle-blossoms wave.
With never stone or rail to fence my bed ;
Should the sturdy station children pull the
bush flowers on my grave,
I may chance to hear tliem romping over-
head.
JAMES AITKEN : JAMES JARVIE
AITKEN : BABY AITKEN
(Walkebbuen)
s.s. lusitania.
1915. Mat 7.
On Friday afternoon. May 7, 1915, the liner
"Lu^sitania" was sunk by two torpedo&s, when
a few miles off the Old Head of Kinsale, to
the southwest of Queenstown Harbour. 1198
non-combatants, of whom 124 were Americans,
were thus murdered by the Germans, includ-
ing many women and children. The great
ship sank in twenty minutes after being
struck. The world' was struck aghast at this,
the greatest German outrage.
Among the drowned were the following be-
longing to Walkerburn. : — ^James Aitken,
James Jar\de Aitken (son), and a boy of three
and a half years (grandson). One was saved
namely, Christsie Aitken, aged sixteen years.
She was a daughter of James Aitken, senior,
and was able to identify her father's body,
which was interred at Queenstown; the
others were never recovered. Mr James
Aitken was born at Horsburgh Toll on the
23rd September, 1855. He spent his boyhood
and youth at Walkerburn, and later became a
skilled pattern-weaver with the firm of Bal-
lantvne there.
For some time thereafter he represented the
firm of C. W. Sanderson, clothiers, Peebles,
and travelled in the drapery business in the
Edinburgh district, residing at Davidson'*?
Mains. His wife predeceased him, and her
body, along with that of their eldest son, lies
in the cemetery at Innerleithen.
All his three surviving sons had settled in
Merrit, British Columbia, and he resolved to
follow them thither, taking with him his only
daughter, then aged' thirteen years; this was
about seven years before the end. The new
country was found not to suit his state of
health, so after a residence of three years, he
resolved to return to Scotland along with his
daughter, Chrissie, now aged sixteen. The
eldest son, James Jarvie Aitken, having lost
his wife, accompanied them on the homeward
journey, along with his little son of three
years. They booked their passage in the
"Cameronia," but finding the sailing of that
vessel cancelled, they transferred to the
"Lusitania." Thus it came to pass that they
all met their destiny in that ill-fated' ship.
Out of the four Aitkens, Chrissie alone was
saved.
Both the Aitkens were earnest, devoted
Christian men of the Plymouthist persuasion,
highly respected by all who knew them.
There is a tear for all that die,
A mourner o'er the humblest grave ;
But nations swell the funeral cry.
And' Triumph weeps above the brave.
For them is sorrow's purest sigih
O'er Ocean's heaving bosom sent;
In vain their bones unburied lie.
All earth becomes their monument.
A tomb is theirs on every page.
An epitaph on every tongue;
The present hours, the future age.
For them bewail, to them belong.
SECOND LIEUT. ANDREW GRAY
(Mange.)
IST Battalion Black Watch.
1915. Mat 9.
2nd Lieut. Andrew Gray was born at Clark-
ston, Airdrie, on 29th June, 1877, the son of
Moses Gray and Mary Brown. At 17 years of
age he enlisted as a private in the Black
Watch. Being an intelligent lad and well
conducted', he rapidly rose through the non-
12
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
commissioned ranks to Company Seigeant-
Major. He was in India wiUi his battalion
when the South African War broke out, and
served throughout the whole of that cam-
paign. On returning to this country, he was
successively at the Curragh, Limerick, Edin-
burgh, and Aldershot. At the last mentioned
place he was made Coy. Sergt. -Major to D
Coy., 1st Bn. Black Watch. He was there allso
when tlie war broke out in August, 1914, and
went to Prance that same month with the
British Expeditionary Force. He took part
in the historic reti-eat from Mons, and was
present at the Battle of the Marne in Septem-
ber, at Ypres in October, and at La Bassee
in January, 1915. He was also present at
Neuve Chapelle in March, but did not take
part in the battle, being in the reserves.
Shortly after Neuve Chapelle he was pro-
moted to be 2nd Lieutenant, and was home for
a short time on leave. In tlie middle of
April he returned to the front. On. Sunday,
the 9th of May, he was engaged in the fighting
at Festubert, and he was last seen that day
waving a stump of an arm and leading his
men into action. Along with other six officers
of the Black Watch he was missing when the
roll was called that night, and nothing has
been heard of him or them since, so that they
are presumed to have been killed.
Andrew Gray was a fine type of the British
soldier, and particularly of the "Old Con-
temptibles " who saved our country in the
hour of its greatest need. As an N.C.O., he
was a most capable instructor, and while firm
in discipline, took a great interest in the men
under him, especially in the raw lads who
joined the ranks, and was exceedingly well
liked by them. Of his conduct in the field,
his promotion to 2nd Lieutenant, and the last
that was seen of him on 9th May, 1915, testify
to his ability, his bravery, and his capacity as
a leader of inon.
In 1907 he married, at Manor, Mary, only
daughter of Mrs Thomas Horsburgh, Barns
Lodge, and is survived by her and two chil-
dren, a son and a daughter.
Bravest, where half a world of men
Are brave beyond all Earth's rewards.
So stoutly none .shall charge again
Till the last breaking of the Bwords;
Wounded or hale, won home from war.
Or yonder by tlie Lono Pine laid ;
Give him his due for evermore—
'' ^'hc Bravcet Thing God ever made 1 "
SECOND LIEUT. DUNCAN M.
GRANT FERGUSON
3ed (attached to 2nd) King's Own Scottish
boederers.
1915. May 14.
Born May 11th, 1894. D. M. Grant Fer-
guson, the eldest son of the late Rev. J. Grant
Ferguson, Episcopal clergyman, Innerleithen,
Peebles, entered the school in September,
1907, and was four years a member of the
School House, leaving from the Remove to
enter the Agricultural College at Aspatria,
where he spent two happy years in the open-
air life which he loved. When the war broke
oat he was engaged in practical farming, in-
tending later to go abroad. As a former mem-
ber of the O.T.C. he quickly obtained a
commission in the 3rd Batt. of the King's
Own Scottish Borderers, and aitei training,
was attached to the 2nd Battalion at the
front, near Hill 60. On April 29th he wrote
from the trenches a letter of sympathy in the
loss of his schoolfellow, J. Nash, full of en-
thusiasm for his men and regiment, which
sliowed a high sense of duty and delight in
his work.
On, May 5th he was gravely wounded, and
he died in hospital at Boulogne a week later,
Friday, May 12. Many will have happy mem-
ories of a schoolfellow of a singularly kindly
and serious disposition.
His brother. Captain Ian Ferguson, was to
fall a year later on May 12, 1916.
Tlie Victorious Dead —
Who never knew the secret game of power.
All that this Earth can give they thrust
aside.
They crowded all their youth into an hour.
And for our fleeting dream of Hight they
died.
Oh, if we fail them in that awful trust.
How ishould we bear those voices from ihe
dust?
PRIVATE RALPH TAIT
(Kailzie, Thaquaii?., and Brouqhton)
8th Royal Scots.
1915. May 16.
He was the second .son of James Tait, shep-
herd at Knilzie Mains. Private Tait himself
was engaged as a shepherd with Mr David
Dick.son, Cor«tane, Broiighlon, and on the out-
break of war lie joined the Royal Scots,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
13
His fatliei-, before earning to Kailzie Mains,
was employed' as a shepherd for many years
at Howburn.
Ealph Tait fell at Festubert on Sunday, the
16th of A'lay, 1915, aged thirty. The great
battle had b«gun on the previous day, when
the British made a successful attack. And
on the 16th their advance continued. The
battle went on from day to day, and concluded
on the 25tli of May, all the British gains be-
ing consolidated.
Faith to match theirs and courage thai
shall live.
And loyal service and a splendid pride—
The best and highest that our lives can give
We must give now because for us they
died.
They came from untameable highlands,
From gilens where their fathers were free,
From misty and mountainous islands
Set fast in the throat of the sea.
They fought for the honour of Britain;
They died in defence of tlie right ;
Their deeds are in history written
In letters of light.
SERGT. WILLIAM CAMPBELL
(Walkebbuen)
8th Eotal Scots.
1915. Mat 16.
He went to France on Nov. 5, 1914, and fell
at Festubert. Aged 20.
" I regret to have to inform you that your
son, William, was killed by a German bullet
on the evening of Sunday, the 16th May.
Our Company was advancing to attack a
part of the German trench, and Willie was
in the front line when he was struck. Every
officer, N.C.O., and man of the Company
sympathise very deeply with you all in your
sad' loss; and we all feel that we have not
only lost one of our sergeants but that we
have lost also a chum, and a brave one at
that. Your son died doing his duty like a
true soldier, and the Company has sustained
a big loss by his death. I myself feel very
deeply for you in your loss, as Willie has
always been a great friend of mine since we
were sent out to this country ; and I feel
his loss very much ; but I think it will help
you to bear his loss when you know that he
4ied like a true soldier,"
" Y'ou have no idea liow truly sorry and
vexed I was when I heard' that your gallant
boy had met a soldier's death. It does seem
hard that the most promising young lives
are being sacrificed in this lamentable
struggle. From the first day I took com-
mand of the Company your son was one of
my mainstays iu its management. He was
at all time so willing, so useful and' obliging
that it was a real pleasure for me to work
with him. As a soldier, iDromotion had
come to him rapidly, but at the same time,
deservedly, and I feel safe iu saying he
would have risen stiil higher. Our late
lamented Colonel had a high opinion of your
son, and often spoke to me of ihis marked
soldierly ability. I shall miss him. We'll
all miss him, but none of us can feel the
blank as much as his own kith and kin, to
whom I would convey my sympathy, but at
the same time my congratulations on their
having such a splendid man as one of their
own blood. He died a soldier's death — the
noblest of all in the noblest war of all time,
in the knowledge of duty well and truly
done he now sleeps well. Will you allow me
to add' that as his old schoolmaster, as well
as his Company officer, I am proud of him ?"
His elder brother. Private James Campbell,
came from America after Willie fell, and
himself fell on April 9. 1917.
Two gallant Scots.
" What are these that glow from afar.
These that lean over the golden bar.
Strong as the lion, pure as the dove.
With open arms and hearts of love.
They the Blessed Ones gone before.
They the Blessed for evermore.
Out of great tribulation they went.
Home to their home of Heaven content;
Through flood, or blood, or furnace fire.
To the rest that fiilfils desire."
LCE.-CPL. THOMAS GARDNER.
(Innerleithen)
8th Royal Scots.
1915. May 16.
Killed in action on Sunday, the 16th May,
1915, in North France, Lance-Corporal Thomas
Gardner, 8th Royal Scots. He was the son of
Mrs Gardner, High Street, Innei'leithen, and
was shot through the head by a bullet on Sun-
14
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
day afternoon, Ibtli ^laj-. He re-enlisted in the
8th Eoyal Scots on tli© outbreali: of war.
Deak Mrs Gardner, — It is with the deepest
regret that I writ© to inform you that Tom
was killed in action on Sunday afternoon.
Poor Tom, he was a little to the left of where
I was, and I was not aware of his death until
midnight. It was the greatest shock I have
had since I came here, so I have some little
idea what it must mean to you at home.
Tliei'e is nothing in the world that can re-
compense you for the loss you have sustained,
but it may be some consolation to know that
in Tom you had a son. to be proud of. He
was one of the besit liked men in the Com-
pany ; you never heard him grumble; and he
was one of the bravest, cheeriest, and gamest
men in the Battalion. No casualty in the
Company cast such a gloom as did the news
of poor Tom's death ; and the sympathy of
the whole Company goes out to those of you
who are at home, and who suffer in a far
greater degree than anyone here*. Trusting
that the blow may be softened in the know-
ledge that he died a hero's death with his
face to the enemy. With deepest sympathy,
I am etc.,
On May 14 there was more than normal
activity on the British front within these few
days. There were three attacks against our lines
in Ploegsteert Wood, one party of Germans suc-
ceeding in entering our trenches, but being
ejected thereafter. There was also considerable
activity on the British front beyond Loos and
the Bethune-La-Bass^ Canal. On the 16th, the
day on which Gardner fell, the Lancashire Fusi-
liers occupied 250 yards of trench in the Vimy
ridge region.
" loved Warriors of the Minstrel's Land,
Yonder your bonnets nod, your tartans wave!
And when the pibroch bids the battle rave.
And level for the charge your arms are laid.
Where lives the foe that for such de.sperate
onset staid ?"
LCE.-CPL. CLIFTON W. J. LAURIE
(Stobo and Australia)
13x11 Australian Impkrtal Force.
1915. Tuesday, May 18.
Tliis is the very first man to fall, one of a
moat interesting Scottish Australian clan.
Twenty-six of its gallant members sailed from
Australia to fight for the mother country. Si.x
fell. Clifton Laurie is the first of the fallen
six. Tlie head and patriarch of this Scottish
clan was Joseph Laurie, senior. He was born
at Stobo Quarry (" Cheat the Beggars "), on
the 21st of June, 1793. In 1840 he emigrated
to New Sout.h Wales, having a family of six
sons and one daughter. At first Joseph Laurie
was an emjjloyee himself on various large
ranches owned by agricultural companies, but
in 1850 he was able to purchase an estate called
Rawdon Vale and set up for himself. In 1851
occurred the great gold rush in Australia; the
Laurie family was enterprising enough and lucky
enough to seize and develop their opportuni-
ties, and prosperity set in for all the various
and increasing branches from the original stock.
Some of their estates bear the following names :
Stobo House, Rawdon Vale, Norvendoc,
Gloucester, Falkland, Heatherdale, Kangaroo
Flat, Laurieston, Bonny Doune, Invergordon,
Mandville, Airlie, etc. Tlie aged patriarch died
at Rawdon Vale in 1881, aged 87, lia\dng seen
all his descendants established as small kings in
estates as large as Britisih counties. Then came
the war in 1914, and out of a population of 1800
males in Gloucester district, 450 joined the Aus-
tralian Imperial Force. All of the Laurie name
joined and all of their eligible cousins. Six will
return no more^ — two sleep in Belgian Flanders,
one on the slopes of Mount St Quentin, one by
the storied Nile, and two with the flower of
their battalion on the stricken field of Fluer
Bain.
Returning to Clifton W. J. Laurie, 13th Bat-
talion, Australian Imperial Force. He was the
fifth son of James R. Laurie, of Mandville,
Gloucester, N.S.W., and great grandson of
Joseph Laurie, Rawdon Vale, aged twenty-one
years. He enlisted on the 25th September,
1914; landed at Anzae (Anstralinn and New
Zealand Allied Countries), on the 2G(h April,
191>'); was mortally wounded on the 3rd of
May; died at Alexandria on the 18th of May.
]9ir).
Of you tliat .itill have rain and sun,
Kisses of children and of wife,
And the good earth to tread upon,
And the mere sweetness that is life,
Forget not us, who gave all these
For something dearer and for you.
'J'liink in wliat Cause we crossed the sens!
Remember, he who fails the cliallenge
Fails us too.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance
15
PTE. GEORGE G. HENDERSON
(iNNERLEITIiEN AND AUSTRALIA)
iriTii Battalion, Queenslanders, Australian
Imperial Forces.
1915. May 29.
In loving memory of Georg© Henderson, who
died of wounds at Gallipoli, on Saturday, the
29th May, 1915. His comitry called : he
answered. Private Henderson took part in the
landing at Anzac on the 25th April, 1915,
and died of wounds on the 29th May, 1915.
He was the youngest son of the late David Hen-
derson, and of Mrs Henderson.
On the 25th of April began the ever -memor-
able and terrible landing of British and French
forces on both sides of the Dardanelles. On
the 26th, Hill 141 was stormed and V Beach
was secured ; and on the 27th the Allies estab-
lished themselves across the peninsula of Galli-
jioli. The Australians and New Zealanders
achieved everlasting fame for their devotion and
gallantry, and also' for their appalling losses
in what was one of the mosit appalling enter-
prises of all time. It was then that the term
A.N.Z.A.O. originated and continues in memory
of those' gallant heroes — " Australian and New
Zealand Allied Countries."
On the 28th of April the Allied Forces, aided
by H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth, advanced on
Krithia, and were attacked by the Turks on the
1st of May. The fighting continued on the fol-
lowing days, the Turks attacking and the
British counter-attacking. The British failed
at Gaba Tepe. On thei 3rd of May the French
lines were attacked by the Turks unsuccessfully.
And I shall sleep beneath that foreign soil
As peacefully as e'er 'neath heather flower.
Knowing that I have answered Duty's call.
Knowing that I have died in Scotland's
hour.
PRIVATE JOHN SIEVEWRIGHT
(Innerleithen)
Gordon Highlanders.
1915. June 3.
Information reached Mr Sievewright, grieve,
Glenormiston, of the death of his son John.
The channel of communication was a letter
from Lieutenant Scott, of the Gordon High-
lander®, which contains a fine appreiciatdon of
the gallant lad.
It was on the mobilisation in August that he
joined the 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders,
leaving at the time the situation he had held
for several years with Messrs Eattray & Co.,
wholesial© warehousemen, Candleriggs, Glasgow,
from whose establishment he carried away the
highest credentials. Along with his Battalion
he saw mucli fighting during the winter, and
the following letter gives the circumstances of
his death, which was much deplored in the
locality, where he was deservedly popular : —
" I most sincerely regret to have to inform
you of the death of your son John. He was
killed on the night of Thursday, the 3rd of
June, when the Company was about to make
an attack on a German position. He was
orderly to Lieutenant Farquharson, whom he
was with when he fell. I was near by when
a shell burst, and he and his master were
killed by it instantaneously. Your son was
in charge of the Offioers of D Company Mess,
and I subsequently came tO' know him. very
well. I cannot speak too highly of him. He
was a most valuable and devoted servant, and
how we doi miss him already. Always cheery
and obliging, he was a good soldier and an
excellenti friend. I cannot express how much
I sympathise with you in losing such a son.
He was ever at his post, of duty, and died at
it. Every man of D Company mourns for
John Sievewright, for they all knew him."
In this month of June now beginning there
was continuous fighting in what was called "Tlie
Labj'rinth," north of the Arras. The French
had captured trenches at Souchez, and the
British on the 3rd of June, the day that Private
Sievewright fell, captured trenches at Givenchy.
" His was the' proudest part.
He died with the glory of faith in his eyes,
And the' glory of love in his heart.
And though there's never a grave to tell,
Nor a cross tO' mark his fall,
Thank God ! we know that he ' batted well '
In the last great Game of all."
SERGEANT JAMES ORMISTON
GRAHAM.
(Broughton)
5th Royal Scots.
1915. June 19.
Sergeant Graham was wounded on the 4th of
May, 1915, and after a month in hospital at
Port Said he went back to the firing line, where
he was killed on Saturday, the 19th of June,
16
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance
while engaged in thiowiiig bombs from the
parapet of the trench occupied by his Company
at the Dai'danelles. James Ormiston Graham
was a builder's surveyor, and was 25 years of
age. He was the youngest son of James Ormis-
ton GraJiam, his mother being the eldest daugh-
ter of the late Gavin Greenshields, Broughton.
He was a Territorial Volunteer in the Queen's
Edinburgh Brigade, and was mobilised on the
4th of August, 1914, at the very beginning of
the war. When he departed for the Dardanelles
he was a sergeant in the l/5th Royal Scots.
" Madam, — I have it in command from His
Majesty the King to inform you as next-of-kin
of the late Sergeant James Ormiston Graham,
of the 5th Battalion, Royal Scots (Territorial
Forces), that this non-commissioned officer
was mentioned in a Despatch from General
Sir Ian Hamilton, dated 22nd September,
1915, and published in the ' London Gazette '
dated 5th November, 1915, for gallant and
distinguished service in the field. I am to
express to you the King's high appreciation
of these services, and to add that His Majesty
trusts that their public acknowledgment may
be of some consolation to you in your bereave-
ment. ' '
War is good when the stress is past,
And the rankling scars grow old.
For its rigours fade and it-s glamours last
Till the sombre gi'ey turns gold ;
And the hunger and thirst and the bitter days
No more in our thoughts find place.
But we mind that w© ti-od life's roughest ways
And met death face to face;
And the soul's astir and the brain's afire
For the good fight fought before,
But the heart knows well there is something
higher
Thau tlie clamorous ways of war.
Faint on the ear grows the bugle call.
And we turn once more to the best of all.
GUNNER DONALD McGLASHAN
(Eddleston and Walkerburn)
Motor Machine Guns.
1915. June 23.
Killed in action at Hooge, on Wednesday, the
23rd June, 1915, Gunner Donald McGlaslian,
Motor Machine Guns, eldest eon of Mr and Mrs
McGlaslian, Roscbery Reservoir, Gorcbridge.
Donald was born at Cabcrslone, Wulkerburn, on
the 31st of March, 1893 ; he attended both Lmer-
leithen and Walkea'burn public schools, where
he obtained most of his education. He finished
his schooling at Toxsdde, on the estate of the
Earl of Rosebery. Hei was there when Lord
Dalmeny came of age, and at the school sports
at Temple and Carrington Donald won his first
prize, a silver lever watch, amongst thc' boys of
his own age. Latterly also he gained many
prizes for athletics. After his school days were
over, Donald served his apprenticeship as a
blacksmith at Eddleston Smithy, and thereafter
as a journeyman at Ayton Smithy, Newburgh,
Fife. When war broke out, Donald enlisted in
the Royal Highlanders, Black Watch, on the
12th September, 1914 (Kitchener's Army). Be-
fore going to France he was transferred tO' the
IMotor Machine Guns, on the' 12th of February,
1915. He was with his Battery at Hill 60,
when they were " swung in to save the Cana-
dians when the Germans launched their gas
attack." He himself was slightly gassed, but
not seriously. After this he was engaged mostly
on anti-air gun service until his death. "Donald
was shot by a sniper while firing a machine gun
in Trench H 15 at Hooge near Ypres, and was
carried down tO' the dresising station, but lived
only a few hours, being unconscious all the
time. He was buried in Sanctuary Wood,^bout
500 yards south of Hooge. He was very much
missed by us, as h© was such a good soldier and
had not the least fear, and was always ready to
do his bit. I am sure you will be proud of him,
even though he has been taken from us, as he
was a man in every sense of the word."
Who carries the gun ?
A lad from over the Tweed.
Then let him go, for well we know
He comes from a soldier breed.
So drink together to rock and heather,
Out where the red deer run.
And stand aside for Scotland's pride —
The man that carries the gun!
For the Colonel rides before,
The Major's on the (lank.
The Captains and the Adjutant
Are in the foremost rank.
But when it's " Action, front!"
And fighting's to be done.
Come one, come all. you stand or fall
13y the man who holds the gun.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
17
WILLIAM PARKER
(Stobo)
Postal Rifles.
1915. Sunday, June 27.
Stobo had indeed good reason to be proud of
those who have been in its postal service. Qno
of them — Willie Parker — will always be affec-
tionately remembered by all who knew him.
He was just a lad, bright, active, and ener-
getic, and during his two years as postman at
Stobo he was a favourite with all. On the out-
break of w-ar he offered his services to his coun-
try, but was refused ; then he offered himself
again later and was accepted, joining the Postal
Rifles, and being stationed in London for train-
ing. His death there, on Sunday evening, June
27th, came as a grief and a shock to all. He
died a soldier's death and had a soldier's burial.
He was the first of those' from Stobo who had
given liis life in the service of his country.
!Much sympathy was felt for his people, who
reside in Anstruther, Fife.
William Parker, the eldest son of Robert
Parker and Margaret Drummond, was born on
3rd January, 1895, in the fishing town of
Anstruther, on the northern shore of the Firth
of Forth. On completing liis education at the
parish schools of East and West Ajistruther, he
enteied the Post Office service as boy messenger
in Januai-y, 1909. His work in this capacity
was by no means light, especially during the
fishing seasons, when many messages passed
between the loc-al agents and buyers and the
home and continental markets. His willingness
and efficiency won him the confidence of the
office staff, and the goodwill and regard of the
public were deservedly earned by him through
his promptness, cheeriness, and courtesy. He
remained on the sitaff of the Anstruther Post
Office till the close of 1912, during the latter
months of which year he was entrusted with
the duties of substitute rural postman at St
Monans, and in these duties also he proved so
satisfactory that he was transferred to Stobo.
At Stobo he worked quietly away till May,
1915, when his manly spirit would not let him
rest, but led him to volunteer. He joined the
Postal Rifle Corps, but unhappily did not get
an opportunity to do more than prove his will-
ingness to serve his country's need. He fell a
victim to the spotted fe^ver menace that had
then raised its head in camps and barracks, and
he passed away at the City of London Military
Hospital on 26tli June, 1915. He was buried
at Little Ilford Cemetery.
His parents later suffeirjd a further bereave-
ment through the death, of wounds, of his
younger brother, Robert, in October, 1916,
while serving in France with the Black Watch.
Oh, safe for evermore.
With never a weird to dree ;
Is any burden sore
When one's beloved goes free?
Come pain, come woe, to me.
My well-beloved goes free !
You are so far away.
And yet are come so near ;
On many a heavy day
I think of yon, my dear.
Safe in your shelter there,
Christ's hand upon your Iiair.
PRIVATE ADAM BURNETT
(Bboughton)
Highland Light Intantey.
1915. June 28.
Adam Burnet/t was a plouglmian, who enlisted
at Kirkkwhill in January, 1915. He was at-
tached to the 7tli Royal Scots. All that is
known of this gallant countryman from Dunsyi'e
is that he became " missing " at the landing at
the Dardanelles, about Monday, the 28th of
June, 1915. He was aged 25 and single.
On the previous day the British carried four
Turkish lines near Krithia; and on the 28th the
British were attacking Achi Baba. On the 29th
the Turkish counter-attacks were repulsed with
heavy loss to them.
I see them walking in an air of glory,
Whose light doth trample on my days;
My days, which are at best but dull and hoary,
Mere glimmerings and decays.
Dear, beauteous Death ! the jewel of the just.
Shining nowhere but in the dark ;
Whait mysteries do lie beyond thy dust.
Could man outlook that mark !
He that hath found some fledged bird's nest,
may know
At first sight if the bird be flown ;
But what fair well or grove he sings in now.
That is to him unknown.
18
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE JAMES HALL
(Broughton)
4th Royal Scots.
1915. June 28.
Two of the nephews of Miss Hall, Glenholm
School, paid the great sacrifice. Their grand-
father was the late William Hall, a native of
Broughton united parish, whO' early in life left
for Edinburgh and was headmaster of St
Bernard's School and inspector of the old Lan-
castrian Evening Schools.
Private James French Hall, youngest son of
the late James French Hall, one of the old
Volunteers, was employed with a firm of whole-
sale ironmongers in the Grassmarket, Edin-
burgh, and had joined the Territorial Force two
years before the war began. In 1915 he volun-
teered for Galllpoli. On Monday, the 28th of
June, 1915, his Battalion was ordered to take
some trenches : the soldiers rushed beyond
them, so he was reported missing. Of twenty-
two officers who went along with them, but two
returned. His elder brother was to fall on
February 28, 1917.
" There's a glory gold can never buy, to yearn
and to cry for ;
There's a hope that's as old as the sky to
suffer and to sigh for ;
There's a faith that, outdazzles the sun to
martyr and to die for.
PRIVATE ROBERT MASON
(Eddleston)
Kino's Own Scottish Bordeeehs.
1915. July 12.
Little is known of this lad, as one letter
only came from him after he landed at the
Dardanelles. He was out for only three weeks
when he was posted as " Missing."
He was employed at one time in the gar-
dens at Cringletie under his uncle, Mr J. M.
Mason.
Previous to enlibting he was working at tlio
Hirsel, Coldstream.
The Allies made a third attack on Kiithia
and Achi Baba on tlio 4th of June, 1915, which
j-esulted in a sligiit gain at certain points.
On Friday, June 18, the Turks made another
attack at Gallipoli, and were repulsed. On
Monday, the 2lHt, (lie AIIIch attacKcil iiiiil
gained ground. Fioin .June 29 to July 1 Iho
Tuiks were engaged in fierce and continuous
fighting, but on the latter date were repulsed
and again on the 4th. In the following days
our army had no rest from enemy attacks by
night and day, including Monday, the 12th
July, on which day I'rivate Robert Mason fell
in the great charge when so many gallant
men fell in capturing the Turkish trenches at
Achi Baba.
My dear Companions — you
That have been more to me
Than grief or gaiety —
This sure is true:
That we shall meet once more beyond
Death's door.
Again be merry friends
Where friendship never ends.
PRIVATE ADAM SMAIL
(Innerleithen)
King's Own Scottish Borderers.
1915. July 12.
Writing to Mr Walter Small, Victoria
Buildings, Galashiels, from Gallipoli, on 2nd
November, a comrade of his brother. Private
Adam Small, l/4th K.O.S.B., oflticially report-
ed as missing from Monday, 12th July, says —
" I have just heard from the Orderly
Room that Addie's identity disc, pay book,
and a bundle of letters, belonging to him,
were handed in yesterday by the French
authorities. The reason for the French
people getting them is that they now occupy
the part of the line from which our advance
took place, so evidently some patrol of
theirs had come upon the bodies. There
were several others found at the same time.
Whilst this will put an end to your sus-
pense, it does not lessen your grief, and I
can assure you that you have my deepest
sympathy. I sincerely hope that your other
two brothers will have better luck than
poor Addie had. Things are very quiet out
here now, but one never knows when there
may be a move on, although I don't think
it will be from this side of the hill. The
weather is just like a warm Scottish sum-
mer, and as long as it keeps like Ihat, life
is not so bad to stick, but it is awful when
the rain starts."
Adam Hnmil was the youngest son of the
lalo Walter Snuiil of the firm of Walter Small
& Sons, Leitlien Mille. He was educated at
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
19
Innerleithen and at Galashiels Academy. On
the outbreak of war he was employed as de-
signer with P. & E. Sanderson, Galashiels.
Within a month from the beginning of the
war he joined the 1/lth King's Own Scottish
Borderers, and in the month of May, 1915,
left Britain for Gallipoli. He was in the
great charge of the 12th of July, 1915, when so
many Border men made the supreme sacrifice.
He was posted as missing. A few months
later his remains were found on the battle-
field by a French patrol. He was twenty-six
years of age and was unmarried.
" A special leave to thee was given
By the high power, and thou with bandaged
eyes
Wast guided through the glimmering camp
of God.
Thy hand was taken by angels who patrol
The evening, or are sentries to the dawn.
Thou wast admitted to the presence."
PRIVATE THOMAS THOMSON
(Walkebbuen)
King's Own Scottish Boedeeees.
1915. July 12.
Official information was received by Mrs
Thomson, residing with her parents at Tweed-
side Cottages, Walkerburn, that her husband,
Thomas Thomson, "A" Company, 4th King's
Own Scottish Borderers, was missing as from
Monday, the 12th of July, when the Borderers
made such a magnificent advance in Gallipoli.
He had resided previously with his wife at
Selkirk, and as a National Eeservist, he was
called up, and after a course of training was
sent to the Dardanelles. Much sympathy was
felt for his relatives in their time of anxiety.
He was well known and highly respected.
This was one more added to the many gal-
lant lives sacrificed in the dreadful Darda-
nelles.
Oot owre yon sea, through dule and strife.
Ye tak' yer road nae mair.
For ye've crossed the brig to the fields o'
life.
An' ye walk forever there.
I traivel on to the brig-side,
Whaur ilka road maun cease.
My weary war may be lang to bide.
An' you hae won to peace.
There's ne'er a nicht but turns to day,
Nor a load that's never cast;
An' there's nao wind cries on the winter
brae.
But it spends itsel' at last.
you that never failed me yet.
Gin aince my step ye hear.
Come to yon brig atween us set.
An' bide till I win near !
weel, aye, weel, ye'll ken my treid,
Ye'U seek na© word or sign,
An' I'll no can fail at the Brig o' Dreid,
For yer hand will be in mine.
CAPTAIN TOM WELSH
(of EaELSHAUGH, TwEEDSMUm)
5th King's Own Scottish Boedebees.
1915. July 12.
The toll of the Dardanelles was heavy, and
among the many who fell has to be chronicled
the name of a Tweedsmuir laird and farmer —
Tom Welsh of Earlshaugh and Tweedshaws.
The family of Welsh has been long connected
with the parish. At one time almost all the
farms were in the hands of various members of
the sept, the chief of whom was WeMi of Fruid
and Carterbope. About the year 1792, David
Welsh, tenant of Fruid, crossed the boundary
into Dumfriesshire, and settled at Braefoot, or
Ericstane, immediately adjoining Fruid and the
lands of Carterhope. The latter he continued
to farm, and about the same time he purchased
the neighbouring property of Earlshaugh and
Tweedshaws. His youngest son was the Rev.
David Welsh, D.D., Professor of Ecclesiastical
History in the University of Edinburgh, and
Moderator of the Church of Scotland in the
memorable year of the Disruption. Another
son, James, succeeded to Earlshaugh, and he
was succeeded by his son Thomas, in hia day
one of the best-known sheep farmers in the
south of Scotland. Thomas Welsh died in 1882,
being succeeded by his only son Tom, the news
of whose death at the Dardanelles was received
with profound regret by the parishioners of
Tweedsmuir. Mr Welsh's hobby, it should be
said, was mechanics. Amongst other things,
he invented and put on the market an apparatus
for bracken-mowing, and the well-known Welsh
carburetter for motors was his patent. He was
a man of frank and engaging manners, was ex-
tremely well liked by hia shepherds, and much
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
esteemed by the entire community, both of
Moffat and of this parish, his ancestral home.
" I regret having to write confirming the
death of your husband in action on Monday,
the 12th inst. You will no doubt have
heard from the W.O. ere this on the sub-
ject. Capt. Welsh was killed instantane-
ously during an assault on the Turkish
trendies, just after we had occupied their
position. He was buried near Capt. Dykes
and Lieut. Carlyle, and a small wood cross
marks the site. I will endeavour to obtain
a compass bearing from some fixed object so
as to locate the spot. Meantime^ accept the
assurance of my sympathy and that of the
remaining officers of this battalion with you
in your loss. We feel very much his loss in
the battalion. It will be difficalt to replace
an officer so keen and zealous as he proved
himself." In a postcript Major Millar
adds: — " Major Bell was also wounded, as
you would ob.serve. He has gone to hospi-
tal ship, and I have not seen him since be-
fore the fight."
"In a letter received to-day (.Tuly 30)
from my husband he asked me to tell you
that when he got up to the first Turkisli
trench which our men took on the 12th he
found Captain Welsh's body, and that he
was buried beside Captain Dykes and
Lieutenant Carlyle, at a place called 'Brown
House,' about 1000 yards behind our partic-
ular part of the firing line. He said also
that Captain Welsh was awfully plucky, as
he was wounded in the arm first and re-
fused to go back, but went on with his men
till they got the first trench, where he was
shot through the head and killed instan-
taneously."
Official information was received by Mrs
Welsh, Ericstane, Moft'at, that her husband.
Captain Tom Welsh of Earlshaugh, had been
killed in action at the Dardanelles. When
the intelligonce became known in Mofl'at a
feeling of genuine regret was aroused, and
fcar.s were entertained that not a few of the
local rank and file would be included in the
list of casualties. Captain Welsh was the
only eon of tlie late Mr Thomas Welsh of
Earlshaugh, and was educated at Merchiston
Castle School, Edinburgh. The deceased
officer, who v/aa 35 years of age, took a keen
interest in Volunteering. Joining the Moffat
Company in 1900, he was promoted to tlic
rank of Captain in 1906, and was latterly in
command of the Sanquhar and Kirkconnel
C'D") Company of the K.O.S. Borderers. On
the outbreak of war he at once volunteered
for active service, and accompanied his regi-
ment to the Dardanelles at the end of May.
Captain Welsh being possessed of an aft'able
and winning manner, was immensely popular
with all ranks in his company, and in social
circles in Mofl'at he was a general favourite.
He took an intelligent, and active interest in
public affairs, and for two terms he was elect-
ed a member of Moffat Town Council, and
was granted leave of absence for active ser-
vice. He was a Justice of the Peace for Dum-
friesshire, and for several years he acted as
representative of Moffat and Wamphray con-
stituency on the District Committee of the
County Council, in the administration of
which board he took a keen interest. Cap-
tain Welsh in politics was a staunch Conser-
vative, and was chairman of the Upper-
Annandale Unionist Association. He was
also at one time a member of Moffat Parish
Council, and was also associated with the ad-
ministration of the Moffat Educational Trust
and the Murray Trust. Deceased took a great
interest in automobilism, and besides farm-
ing his own lands of Earlshaugh, was tenant
of the sheep farms of Ericstane and Carter-
hope. He is survived by his widow and three
children (two sons and a daughter), to whom
the sincerest sympathy is e.xtended by the
wliole community.
REFERENCE BY THE CONVENER OP THE COIINTT.
SWQQESTED MEMORIAL.
At a meeting of the General Purposes Com-
mittee of the County Council, Mr H, C.
Irving, Convener of the County, said:— I feel
Ave should take the earliest opportunity of ex.
pressing our regret at the loss the Council
has sustained by the death of Captain Tom
Welsh. He was not a member of the General
Purposes Committee, although it might be
said he was eminently fitted to be a member.
It was not only because of his knowledge of
agriculture— especially sheep breeding- which
was considerable, l)ut he had a certain amount
of mechanical knowledge of what one might
call odd things. It was the sort of informa-
tion that always stood iis in good stead in the
Lockerbie district, where we fortunately had
his services. lie was for some time a member
111 I ho County Council. When he did speak it
PPvIVAte Adam Buunett,
BnniT.HTON.
Private Egbert Mason,
Eddleston.
Pkivate James Hall,
Bkoughton.
Private Adam Smail,
Innerleithen.
I'hivate Thomas Thomson.
Walkerbden'.
Private OJeorge S. H. Young,
Newlands.
SKJtCEANT llAISin (JiUEVE,
Wai.kehiuiiin.
Caitain Iu.m U'ei.hii,
TWBEUSMUm.
The Hon. Lteut. Ghaeles A. Lister,
Traquair.
riiivATE William IMackie,
Hroughton.
Joiusr Clark,
Traquair.
Private Jon:iJ Inch,
Broughton and Inneeleixhen.
<f^ ^
V-lJw
I.ance-Sergeant WiLLiAiVi T). Watson,
Wac.kerburn.
Sl'.COND J.rETTENANT TllOS. TuulIOPE,
Bkouohton.
I'mVATK 'I'llO.MAH I'.OICI II \V H K, INNERLEITHEN.
Ihivate Hugh jMcVky. Stodo.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance
21
was always something tlioronjjlily practical
that he said, and his suggestions were always
valuable and well worth considering. I am
sure we are very sorry for his widow — who
happened to have spent some of her earlier
days near me at Ecclefechan — and I propose
at the October meeting to ask your assistance
and assent to place a tablet on the walls of
our County Hall. I can imagine no grander
decoration for these bare walls than a memo-
rial to one who has laid down his life for his
country.
They sleep a lonely sleep at Suvla Bay ;
No Southern Cross bends o'er them ; com-
rades sail
To other lands; Init they shall never taste
The sorrow of the swift retreat, nor hear
The sobbing litany of winter seas ;
But their gay spirit cheers
Men of their blood, who meet the host of
death ;
And every kinsman fights with braver heart,
Remembering how they sleep by Suvla Bay.
So have they set within the Northern skies
The Southern Cross, and those familiar
stars.
Which shone williin their memory, when
they fell,
Who sleep their lonely sleep by Suvla Bay.
MEMORIAL SKEVICE.
On Sunday, July 25, 1915, in Tweedsmuir
Church.
A service in memory of the late Captain
Welsh of Earlshaugh and Tweedshaws was
held in the Church on Sunday, July 25.
The building was filled by a sympathetic
congregation, and the local company of Home
Guards, headed by Commandant Yellowlees,
paraded in full uniform.
The Eev. W. S. Crockett preached from the
words — " Greater love hath no man than this
that a man lay down his life for his friends."
At the close of the sermon he spoke as fol-
lows: — The war has touched our quiet glen in
a wonderful degree. The presence of the
Home Guards amongst us to-day is one evi-
dence of this. But there is another and a
greater. Look at that EoU of Honour hang-
ing in the Church porch, and does not one's
pulse beat all the more quickly, to find so
many names emblazoned thereon ? At first
there was the natural timidity common to a
remote parish. By and bye the ice was
broken; one after another of our best man-
hood offered themselves, and now the percent-
age of our volunteers is one of the highest in
Scotland, as far as the rural parishes go. I
am sure that we are all profoundly gratefu?
to those gallant youths, who, in our name, and
for our sake, have gone forth to take their
part in the great struggle. We mourn to-day
the loss at the Dardanelles of one who cannot
but be remembered by us with feelings of re-
spect and pride. Captain Welsh bore a name
long familiar to the Tweedsmuir district. In
our churchyard his ancestors for nearly two
hundred years are lying, and when I saw hira
last, just before he left for the East, he said
to me, amongst other things, as we were wan.
dering from grave to grave — " I wonder if
there will be room for me here ?" But under
the skies of the blue Aegean Tom Welsh
sleeps this morning— a valiant hero, his duty
cheerfully done, his sacrifice complete, his re-
ward certain. He did not live amongst us,
but he was a heritor, a farmer, and a mem-
ber of the School Board of this parish. He
was deeply interested in all our doings, and
had he been resident, I am sure that he would
have been a very great force for good in our
midst. He was a quiet-living, modest, some-
what shy gentleman. He had a clever brain
and clever hands, and had be been spared the
world of mechanics would have been his
debtor. At thirty-six he has finished his life
work, crowning it with a distinction and
glory that nothing else could have given him.
To die in battle, to fall in the cause of truth
and equity, of freedom and religion, is an
honour that any man might covet.
We are grateful to Heaven that such a life
was lived -within our ken, that such a man
could be counted amongst our friends, that so
undaunted an oificer was one of ourselves. In
Captain Welsh's career the lesson of the text
is eminently exemplified. He sacrificed much
—material comforts, lands, domestic felici-
ties, commercial prospects. Eor he felt bound
to offer himself for foreign service, and like
so many others, he has paid the supreme
price. Does anybody say he made a mistake?
Does anybody pity his fate yonder — far away
from the bonnie holms of Annan or the green
hills of Tweed .f I pity the man who pities.
This was a death a hundred times worth
dying. For at the back of that sacrifice was
the greatest thing in the world, without which
the longest life is a vain show, and with
which the shortest life is perfected — "Greater
'>:'>.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
love liath no man than this, that a man lay
down his life for his friends," for his coun-
try, for his God.
" true, )3rave heart, God bless thee ivhere-
so'er
In God's wide universe thou art this day."
PRIVATE GEORGE S. H. YOUNG
(Xe'R'lands)
4th Eoyal Scots.
1915. July 13.
Killed in action in the Dardanelles on Tues-
day, the I3th July, 1915, Private George San-
derson Handley Young, l/4th Eoyal Scots,
aged 24 years, dearly beloved son of the late
Eobert Young, iron merchant, and of Mrs
Young, 39 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh.
His father, the late Mr Eobert Young, was
a Tweeddale man, and took a great interest in
the affairs of the Edinburgh Peeblesshire
Union, in which, for a time, he held the posi-
tion of President, and was himself a native
of Newlands.
Private George Young was educated at
Watson's College, and joined the Cadet Corps
from its inception. From school he passed on
to the staff of the Union Bank of Scotland,
and joined tlie Banlcers' Comiiany of the 4th
Eoyal Scots, being a member when war broke
out. He immediately volunteered for active
service abroad, and came through the very
se^ ere fighting of the 28th June, 1915, at the
Dardanelles, but fell on Tuesday, the 13th
July, 1915. He has left the sweet memory of
a character refined and manly. He was fond
both of music and of field sports. Rugby,
rowing, cycling, and golf were his favourites.
He was a meml>er of the Watsonian Football
Club and also of I'ortoljello Amateur Rowing
Club.
" We Jiuow nothing of his life at the
front, tlie losses of his battalion were so
lieavy on ilio 28th June and 12-13th July,
tliat we can understand how it came to )jo
tliat no word was sent to us from chaplain
or commanding officer. Some of his com-
rades wrote in happy terms of his good
qualities and calm bravery. They informed
UH that Ills death was instantaneous from
lifle fire while on observation duty. I have
written out a little note for you, hut it docs
not do justice to him. If 1 put down all
tliat is in my heart it would look too much
praise for mortal man. Sufficient to say, I
loved and respected him."
God, who made you valiant, strong, and
swift.
Gave back your youth to you,
And packed in moments rare and few
Achievements manifold.
And happiness untold.
And bade you spring to Death as to a bride
In manhood's ripeness, power and pride.
And on your sandals the strong wings of
youth.
Surely you found companions meet for yoii
In that high place;
You met there face to face
Those you had never known, but whom you
knew ;
Knights of the Table Round,
And all the very brave, the very true,
With chivalry crowned ;
The captains rare.
Courteous and brave beyond our himian air
SERGEANT HARRY GRIEVE
(Walkeeburn)
llTH Royal Scots.
1915. August 6.
News of the death in action in France of
Sergeant Harry Grieve of the 11th Royal
Scots reached Walkerburn.
It appears that on Friday, the 6th of
August, just as he was giving his men orders
to leave the trench, he was struck by a part
of a shell and killed instantaneously. Ser-
geant Grieve, who was aged 34 years, was a
drawer and twister, and previous to enlisting
at the beginning of the war was employed in
Tweedholm Mills, Walkerburn. He belonged
to Hawiclc, but came to Walkerburn about
the year 1904. In 1910 hej went out to his
bi'other in Wyoming, where he stayed for
about three years, engaged in sheep farming.
In common with " Tories " all over the
world, he revisited his native town in 1914 to
fake part in the quater-centenary celebration
of tile Battle of Flodden. When the Great
War broke out. Grieve resumed his former
employment in Walker))urn for a few weeks,
but on Lord Kitclieiior's urgent call for the
" I'^irst Hundred 'J'Jiousand," he was among
the first to respond and enlisted in the 11th
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
23
Battalion of the Royal Scots. He was speed-
ily promoted to the rank of sergeant, and
proceeded to France at the end of 1914. He
shared the vicissitudes and hardships of the
new Citizen Army in that first terrible spring
and found a hero's grave in Augvist of the
same year. He was a great favourite in
Walkerburn, being of a very cheery disposi-
tion. He was a keen bowler.
You know that somewhere in the world.
That shines far off beneath you like a gem.
They think of you, and when you think of
them
You know that they will wipe away their
tears,
And cast aside their fears;
That they will have it so,
And in no otherwise ;
That it is well with them because they
know.
With faithful eyes,
Fi.xed forward and turned upwards to the
skies,
That it is well with you.
Among the chosen few.
Among the very brave, the very true.
THE HON. LIEUT. CHARLES A.
LISTER.
(Tbaquair)
Royal Navy. Hood Battalion.
1915. August 28.
Lister, Charles Alfred, Th© Hon., Lieutenant,
R.N. of the Hood Battalion, died of wounds
received at the Dardanelles. His name appears
in a List issued by the Admiralty dated Satur-
day, August 28, 1915.
Lieutenant Lister, who was the onlj' surviving
eon and heir of Lord Biddlesdale, was born in
October, 1887. His mother was Charlotte
Monckton, daughter of Sir Charles Tennant of
the Glen, Peeblesshire. The late officer was a
nephew of Mrs Asquith and of Lord Glencomier.
Lieutenant Lister, who was educated at Eton,
was appointed Attache in 1910 ; appointed to
Eome in 1911 ; and Third Secretary in 1912.
The Ribblesdale family is of great antiquity
in the County of York, having been seated at
Gisbourne for nearly six centuries. John Lister,
eon of Thomas Lister, married, in 1312, Isabel,
daughter and heiress of John de Bolton, bow-
bearer of Bowland, and through her he acquired
Gisbourne.
This was the third time that the Hon. Charles
Lister had been wounded at the Front. His
brother, Captain the Hon. Thomas Lister, was
speared to death in Somaliland in 1904.
To have laughed and talked — wise', witty, fan-
tastic, feckless —
To have mocked at rules and rulers and learnt
to obey.
To have led your men with a daring adored and
reckless.
To have struck your blow for Freedom, the
old straight way :
To have hated the world and lived among those
who love it,
To have thought great thoughts and lived till
you knew them true,
To have loved men more than yourself and have
died to prove it —
Yes, Charles, this is to have lived : was there
more to do ?
JOHN CLARK
(Traquair)
1915. Monday, August 30.
A cable was received by Mr Abram Clark,
president of the Musselburgh Merchants' Asso-
ciation, announcing the death of his elder
brother, Mr John Clark, which had taken place
at Durban.
Mr John Clark was a native of Traquair,
where his father was for long head gamekeeper
on the Traquair estate. For many years he' was
successfully engaged in gold-mining in South
Africa. Wlien the Boer War broke out he put
his knowledge of the Dutch language and the
goldfields' districts to an excellent use on en-
listing in one of the irregular regiments of
hoi'se. He was much employed in scouting
enterprises under General Lord Methuen, and
during one of these' he was ca.ptured by the
Boers. Shortly afterwards the British came up
and seized the Boers' transport, but before
abandoning tlieir waggons the enemy shot Mr
Clark through the head and left him. His vig-
orous constitution, however, saved him. Since
the Boer War he had held an appointment on
the Natal Government Railways. Mr Clark's
mother lived in Kirkland Street, Peebles. She
was a sister of the late Mr John Cairns, Eshiels.
At Durban, on the 30th August, 1915, John
Clark, eldest son of the late' John Clark, game-
keeper, Traquair, and Mrs Clark, Kirkland
Street, Peebles.
24
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Although Jolm Clark took no part in the
European War, he deserves commemoration for
the patriotic services he rendered to Britain in
the South African War.
To-day, across our fathers' graxes
The astonished years I'eveal
Tlie remnant of that desperate' host,
Which cleansed our East with steel.
Hail and farewell ! We greet you here,
Witli tears that none will scorn —
keepers of the house of old.
Or ever we were born !
PRIVATE WILLIAM MACKIE
(Broughton)
Queen's Own Cameron Highiandees.
1915. September 25.
The Battle of Loos. In this disastrous and
indecisive battle eight gallant men and boys of
Peebles fell. Twelve soldiers belonging to other
parishes in Tweeddale fell also. Private Wil-
liam Mackie was one of those. He belonged to
Hartree, and was a member of The Queen'si Own
Cameron Highlanders. He went to France in
June, 1915. He fell at the Battle of Loos on
Saturday, September 25, 1915. That is the brief
record. His officer fell in the same battle.
This great Allied offensive at Loos in Cham-
l)agn6 began on SeiDtember 25. The British
Fleet co-operated on the Belgian Coast. The Brit-
ish attacked south of La Bassee Canal, and cap-
tured five miles of enemy trenches. The Hohen-
zoUern Redoubt was captured with partial suc-
cess. The attack by tlie French north of Arras
gained some tooting. In Champagne the French
assaulted between Suippe and Aisne, driving
tiie enemy from front positions. Other posi-
tions, including ground around Souchez, were
won.
I by the lapping of my houseliold fire.
You in the trenches, starved and stiff for cold ;
You by fatigue in few days grey and old,
I with my strength, no needs, no calls require.
I wrapt in all the peace of heaven entire,
You with IIcll's power of darkness fold on fold,
You lacking all that life most dear can liokl,
i\nd I with all my utmost heart's desire;
But God shall strike the balance : I have liad
My good in tliis my lifetime — all and more,
TT.nve selfish sucked advantage from your strife.
While you, In'avo heroes, on tliat further shore
Shall find all gwjd has equalised (he bad;
Death may be mine— you win eternal life.
PRIVATE JOHN INCH
{BeOUGHTON and iNNEELElTilEN)
7th Cameron Highiandees.
1915. September 25.
In September, 1915, it was amiounced by the
War Office that Private John Inch, of the
Cameron Highlanders, was among the missing.
At that time no information more definite than
this was issued for fear of informing the enemy
aa to our I'egiments and their dispositions, but
later official intimation was made' from the
Record Office, Perth, that Private Inch had
fallen in action at Loos on Saturday, September
25. Previous to enlisting on the outbreak of the
war, John Inch liad been a gardener at Glen-
ormiston. His parent-s belonged to Cloverhill.
On Tliursday, the 23rd, the main bombard-
ment had begun. Along the whole Champagne
front hell was let loose from a thousand pieces.
The morning of Friday, the 24th, dawned mild
and wet, with a Scotch mist settled on the
whole countryside. After midnight the Allied
bombardment drew to a head. Every gun on our
front was speaking without rest. Suddenly the
guns ceased. This was on the morning of Satur-
day, the 25th, amid a pouring drizzle. The first
of the infantry were getting over the parapet,
and the battle had begun.
Tlie battle storm for him is past,
The murder zone, the poison cloud ;
Far from liis home he restsi at last.
The soldier's garb his funeral shroud.
No sculptured stone may mark the spot,
It may be in the sun or shade.
Imagining all we've got
Or where our gallant soldier's laid.
When freedom to our land appealed,
That hour he heard his country's call ;
He hastened to the battlefield,
He gave his life, the loved of all.
His lonely grave we ne'er may view,
But memory ever fondly flies.
Somewhere in Flanders' sandy plain
Our gallant British soldier lies.
No loving voice was there to soothe.
To whisper low the parting vow ;
No tender hand was there to smooth,
Or wipe the death dew from his brow
Perchance he heard a comrade's prayer
Ero death for ever sealed his eyes;
\Vo may be here, our hearts are where
Ou)' gallant soldier lowl\r lies,
lie sleeps upon yon foreign strand.
By man's decree to doom was driven ;
But when tliia mortal life is o'er
We'll meet again onco more in heaven;
Clasp him again, the one we love,
He's safe at last in heaven above.
County OF Peebles Book of Remembrance.
25
SECOND LIEUT. THOS. TUDHOPE
(Beoughion)
9th Scottish Rifles.
1915. September 25.
Second Lieutenant Thomas Tudhope, fourth
son of John Tudhope, farmer, Broughton Place
who had previously served with the Imperial
Yeomanry in the South African War, joined the
Lanarkshire Yeomanry on 7th September, 1914,
as a Trooper, and was promoted Corporal.
Trained for his commission at Harrogate, in
April, 1915, he was gazetted to the 10th Scot-
tish Rifles. After further training at Nigg with
the 3rd S.R. he was sent to France on 6th
August, 1915. Joining the 9th Scottish Rifles
as an officer, he v,-as with tliem until the Battle
of Loos, where he was reported missing on
Saturday, 25th September, 1915.
From a letter received from the Commajuler.
Lieut. -Ceil. Northey, it was stated that he was
last seen gallantly le-ading on his men in the
attack. Out of fourteen officers, only one
escaped unwounded, six being killed, six
wounded, and one. Second Lieut-enant T. Tud-
hope, missing. All enquiries at various agencies
proved fi'uitless, and nine months afterwards the
War Office reported him dead. Thus fell to-
gether at Loos three Broughton men.
The stubborn s^iearmen still made good
Their dark impenetrable wood,
Each stepping where his comrade stood.
The instant that he fell.
No thought was there of dastard flight :
Linked in the serried phalanx tight,
Groom fought like noble, squire like knight,
As fearlessly and well.
Tradition, legend, tune and gong,
Shall many an age that wail prolong :
Still from the sire the son shall hear
Of the stern strife and carnage drear.
PRIVATE THOMAS BORTHWICK
(Innerleithen)
King's Own Scottish Borderebs.
1915. September 25.
Thomas Borthwick joined the 7th Battalion of
the King's Own Scottish Borderers in September
1914, and was thus one of the " Old Contempt-
ibles." He fell in action at the Battle of Loos
on Saturday, the 25th September, 1915, having
been in the army for one glorious year. He
was the fourth son of Thomas Borthwick, Inner-
leithen, and son-in-law of J. Roxburgh, Garri-
son Cottage, St Boswedls, formerly of Peebles.
His wife was Frances Borthwick, Kirkliston.
He was aged 33.
September 25, 1915, was a fateful day for the
men of Tweeddale, as many heroes from the
County fell on that terrible day. Infantry
attacks were taking place on a groat scale south
of La Bassee. The British captured enemy
trenches on a five mile front ; took the village
of Loos; also the mining works around the vil-
lage, and Hill 70. It was in this battle that
Thomas Borthwick, the gallant Borderer, fell,
but as at Flodden on an earlier September, he
was accompanied by a gallant band of Tweed-
dale men to his place among the immortals.
Scarce could they hear or see their foes.
Until at weapon point they close —
They close in clouds of smoke and dust,
With sword sway and with lance's thrust :
And such a yell was there.
Of sudden and portentous birth.
As if men fought upon the earth.
And fiends in upper air :
0, life and death were in the shout,
Recoil and rally, charge and rout.
And triumph and despair.
Gallant Gordons many a one,
And many a stubborn Badenoch man,
And many a rugged Border clan,
With Huntly and with Home.
LCE.-SERGEANT WILLIAM D.
WATSON
(Walkerburn)
5th Cajierons (Lockeel's).
1915. Saturday, September 25.
Lanoe-Sergeant William D. Watson was killed
in action by i-eceiving a bullet through the head.
He enlisted in the Camerons about a year pre-
vious. At the time of enlisting he had been in
training for teaching at the Edinburgh College.
He was aged twenty-two years. A brother died
of enteric fever during the South African War.
" I desire with much respect, on behalf of
myself, the teachers, and the scholars, to ex-
press to you and Mrs Watson and family our
deep sympathy in your bereavement. Your
son was a great favourite here, and very
popular with the boys. His high, courageous
spirit, and his keen determination would, I
know, find splendid scope for him in the
■26
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
army. We were all proud of liiin and of the
other brave lads that gave up everything in
the service of their country ; and now that he
has made the supreme sacrifice we are prouder
still, and humbler too — humbler because we
ask ourselves — ' Are we worthy of the sacri-
fice?' He has had a hero's death, and bitter
as the pang must be to see a young life
snatched away from all the hope and promise
of life that lay before him, he could not have
died a more worthy death. Nor do I believe
that his life is blotted out : he is somewhere
in God's precious keeping, and happy with
Him."
" Our objective," says Lochiel, " was ,
and with the Seaforths on our right we stai'ted
our advance at 6.40 on the 25th, the two local
Inverness-shire companies being in the front
line. We had to cross a long open ridge, which
was subject to a heavy enfilading rifle and
machine gun fire from the left, and when head-
quarters came up it was found that line after
line of our men were simi^ly mown down. The
men faced the ordeal bravely, and when the
remnants had been gathered together we suc-
ceeded in reaching our objective, where we
found a few of our lot who had come up on the
left of the Seaforths."
We have feared old Death, but now we have
learned our error,
Seeing him there in the mire us so kindly
await —
A comi-ade befitting the hour of a world's fate,
And we look liim full in the eyes; we are rid
of our last terror.
Was it only for Death we were born vf our
mothers ?
Only for Death created the dear love of oui'
wives ?
Only for Death and in vain wo endeavoured oui'
lives?
Yea, life was given to be given; march onward,
my brothers !
PRIVATE HUGH M'VEY
(Stobo)
Camekons.
1915. Satuhday, Septembeh 25.
11 was now tile turn of Slolio to unikvi ilio
sacrifice on the field of Loos. After the battle
Hugh M'Vey, like many anotiier good man, was
" Missin;;." Mis jiKe was ( wcnty-lhroo. Ho
liarl Ijccn ciiiiiloycd in Slolio hctorc llic war.
He belonged to Kilkerran, Dailly, Ayrshire.
He went through the retreat from Mons
■' The place we were ordered to hold was
about 1300 yards in front of our lines. Our
left was ' in the air ' tlie whole day, and the
only thing which prevented the Germans get-
ting in behind us was the action of our
machine gun sergeants, who most heroically
defended our left flank from our position in
rear. A battalion of the Black Watch came
on splendidly in our support, but they too,
unhappily, were considerably thinned. These
were moments which can never be forgotten,
and undoubtedly will tend to bind closer the
very friendly ties which have always existea
between the Camerons and Ihe Seaforths.
Defending what we had taken, we remained
on here until we were relieved by another
Brigade early the following morning.
" On the 26th we remained in our trenches
all day, but on the afternoon of the 27th the
battalion was ordered again to charge to rein-
force the brigade in front of us who were be-
ing hard pressed l>y the Germans. This last
charge was probably the finest thing a batta-
lion had ever done, because the ranks, enor-
mously attenuated in the action of the 25th,
had on this occasion to go forward with few
otficers to lead them. As it was, they went
forward out of their trenches as though no-
thing had happened in absolutely perfect
alignment as if on parade.
" This charge having had the desired efl'ect,
the battalion was withdrawn into billets early
the next morning. It was addressed by Sir
John French, who thanked us for what we
had done; but what pleased the men most
was the words used by the Brigadier when he
said that from Sir John French downwards,
amongst those who had been out during the
whole war, nothing finer had been seen than
the advance of tlio Camerons through that
bullet-swept zone on the morning of the
25th." .
Brave, good, and true,
I see him sianil before me now,
And read again on that young brow,
Where very hopo was new,
How sweet were life! Yet, b^\ the nuiulh
firm set,
.\nd look, made up for Duiy's ulniost dpbl,
1 could divine ho knew
That death witiiin the sulphuroua imstile
linos,
CouNTi- OF Peebles Boox of Remembrance.
27
In tlie mere wreck of nobly-pitclied designs.
Plucks Heartsease, and not 'Rue.
Eight in the van,
On the red rampart's slippery swell.
With heart that beat a charge, he fell
Foeward, as fits a man ;
But the high soul burns on to light men's
feet
Where death for noble ends makes dying
sweet."
PRIVATE ROBERT NICHOL
(Deumelziee)
GOEHON HiGHLAXnEES.
1915. Saturday, September 25.
About Robert Nichol nothing is known save
that " He died for his country at Loos." A
fitting epitaph for any man. He did not be-
long to Drumelzier, but had been employed on
Dawyck Estate previous to the war. But as
one who gave his life for us, he is ujentioned
and commemorated here.
There is no portrait of him to be had.
" To me," said Lochiel, " it was at once the
saddest and the proudest day of my life. I
do not suppose any Commanding Officer ever,
in the annals of the British Army, had better
or braver men to serve under him, and Scot-
land may rest absolutely contented that the
Highlanders of the 5th Battalion proved
themselves in every way worthy of their gal-
lant forefathers. In saying this, I do not
underrate the part played in the advance by
the Highland Brigade as a whole, and when
the story comes to be written, the country
will doubtlessly learn how valiantly each unit
fought.
" Instances of personal bravery in my bat-
talion are far too numerous to recount, but
two might be cited as examples. A lance-
corporal, finding the telephone connection be-
tween the Brigadier and myself cut, climbed
to the top of a slag heap to get into visual
communication. Here he went on waving his
flags amid a perfect tornado of shell fire,
until finally a shell burst right over him, and
all that was found of him afterwards was a
piece of his kilt and his notebook.
" Another corporal did yeoman service as a
bomb-thrower. The German bombers were
coming along a trench, and owing to the pre-
sence of snipers it was courting death for our
men to get out of the trenches to check them.
The corporal in question, however, volunteer-
ed to go, and taking up a bag of bombs he
managed to get near to the parapet of the
enemy trenches and continued to throw the
bombs down on the Germans. While so occu-
pied he was exposed to fire from all direc-
tions, but he succeeded in driving back the
bombers until he himself was wounded."
And men in desert places, men.
Abandoned, broken, sick with fears,
liose singing, swung their swords again.
And laughed and died among the spears.
PRIVATE ROBERT FAIRBAIRN
(Walkerburn)
12th Eoyal Scots.
1915. Saturday, September 25.
Mrs Fairbairn, 6 Pink Bank, Walkerburn,
received official notification that hei' son, Private
Robert Fairbairn, Royal Scots, who was re-
ported missing on 25th September last, was now
reported killed on that date. At the time of
enlistment Private Fairbairn was employed as
a woolsorter in Tweedholm Mill. His brother
Andrew, who previous t-o enlisting was employed
as a grocer in Peebles Co-operative Society, was
a member of the 3 /9th Royal Scots.
Infantry attacks were taking place' on a con-
siderable scale south of La Bassee. The British
captured enemy trenches on a five mile front,
and took the village of Loos and the mining
works around it, and Hill 70. The British also
attacked north of La Bassee, and drew strong
reserves of the enemy towards these points.
1700 prisoners were captured.
Death whining down from heaven,
Death roaring from the ground,
Death stinking in the nostril,
Death shrill in every sound :
Doubling we charged and conquered —
Hopeless we struck and stood.
Now when the fight is ended
We know that it was good.
LCE.-CPL. WILLIAM DOUGLAS
(Walkerburn)
Cameron Highlanders.
1915. September 26.
Mrs Douglas, Beattie's Buildings, Walker-
burn, received official intimation from the War
Office that her husband, Lance-Corporal W.
Douglas, Cameron Highlanders, who was re-
ported missing on Sunday, 26th September,
28
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
1915, after the Battle of Loos, was now con-
sidered as liaving died on that date or since.
Lance-Corporal Douglas, who was 28 years of
age, enlifted at the end of August, 1914. Since
that time he had only been once home, four
months later, and proceeded to France in July,
1915. Previous to enlistment he was employed
in the carding room of Tweedval© Mill (Messrs
Henry Ballantyne & Sons, Ltd.), and was one
of the players of Walkerburn Eugby Club. He
was the youngest son of Mr David Douglas,
Walkerburn, and son-in-law of Mr William
Renwick, Traquair Road, Innerleithen. He had
two brothers .serving in France. Richard
Douglas, his brother, also fell.
On the 26th September the weather had
cleared, and a bright sky attended the second
phase of the mighty contest. Opposite Fosse 8
in the centre lay the 9th Division — a Scottish
Division — of the New Army. It contained the
26th Brigade under Brigadier-General Rit-
chie. On the right lay the 15th Divi-
sion under Major-General M'Cracken; it,
too, was wholly Scottish, and belonged to
the second of the New Armies. It had been for
more than tlire© months in the trenches facing
Loos. A brilliant advance was made by the
15th and 17th Divisions, which resulted in the
capture of Loos, and the shaking of the whole
German northern front.
THE UNRETUIRNING BRAVE
" I with uncovered head
Salute the .?acred dead.
Who went, and who return not. Say not so !
'Tis not the grapes of Canaan that repay,
But the high faith that failed not on the way :
Virtue treads paths that end not in the grave :
No bar of endless night exiles the brave :
And to tlic saner mind
We rather seem the dead that staved behind."
PRIVATE, ROBERT SCOTT
(Traquaih)
AUGYI.L & StlTHEnLANl) ITlGHLANnTlUS.
1915. SrNDAY, Septrmbke. 26.
Mr John Scott, employed at the Glen,
Traquair, i-eceived official intimation that his
wm, Private Robert Scott, in the Argyll &
Sutherland Highlanders, had been missing after
the Battle of Loos. No trnre of liim could bo
obtained. He was aged 23. He was one of
those patriotic lads who enlisted in September,
1914. He had also two brothers serving. Dur-
ing the brilliant advance on the 26th, the Lon-
don Irish kicked off a football from the parapet,
and dribbled it across a thousand yards to the
first German line. Before eight o'clock they
had joined hands with the Highlanders in the
shattered streets beneath the twin towers of
Loos. The Highlanders were not content ; their
orders had been not only to take Loos, but to
occupy tlie rising ground to the east, called Hill
70. They streamed up the hill like hounds; the
green tartans of the Gordons and the red of the
Camerons mingled in one resistless wave. The
garrison on the top surrendered, but the High-
landers streamed onward down the eastern side
till thejr were beyond the last German position.
In less than three hours the Brigade had ad-
vanced nearly four miles, and had passed be-
yond all the German trench lines. The fate of
Lille and all the plain of Douai trembled in the
balance. Major Crichton, of the Gordons, and
Major Barron, of the Camerons, tried to recall
the van from their wild rush : both fell. The
stragglers began to return, but it was a for-
lorn hope, and few reached the British lines on
the hill. All down the slopes, towards Lens, lay
the tartans of Gordon and Black Watch, Sea-
forth and Cameron like the drift on the shore
when the tide has ebbed. Up to October 2 the
British casualties were 45,000 men. The Black
watch came out of action with a hundred men
and one officer.
Your ashes o'er the flats of France are scattered,
But they hold a five more hot than flesh of
ours ;
The stainless Hag tliat llutlers, frayed and
tattered.
Shall wave a wreath lil;e Spring's iunnortul
flowers.
You die, but in your death life glows intenser ;
You shall not know the shame of growing old :
In endless joy you wave the holy censer,
And blow the trumpet tliough your lips aro
cold.
Life was to us a. mi.st of limitations;
Death is a flash that shows us where we trod :
You, falling nobly for the righteous nations,
Reveal the Unknown, the niilio)ied-for face of
God.
After long toil your Inbours slnll not ])erisii ;
Through grateful generations yet to come.
Your ardent gesture, dying. Love shall cherish,
And like a beac^m you shall guide us h(}tne.
Private Kobeht Nichol,
Drumelziek.
T.ANCE-COEI'ORAL WlLLIAM Doi'GLAS,
Walkekburn.
L'riva'ie Eocert Fairbairn,
iNNERLEnHEN.
I'lilVA'IK licJljElfl- St'O'ir.
'I'HAtJUALR.
I'lMVATE J. T. SCOIT 15F.LI,.
BllOlGIIXOX.
Sue. T/iEtiT. Wm. Ballantynf,,
Kll!KUl!D AND NeWLANDS.
)'|;IV\II (il.OI.'lll LlIKl
'jdVA'I'l': '\\)M ItALIiMI'Sn,
'J'l.'Ayi' mi;.
Private AndrJ-\> J-im.iiii,,
Walkehtsurn.
Tbooper John Ketchen,
Broughton.
Sergeant Hugh Crawitord,
Broughton and Stobo.
Private William Henry DrudgEj
Kailzie
LANCE-CoisroRAL George Sojiicrvillk,
In nerl kithen.
--••'^
ConROKAL Gavin Semi'le,
Broughton.
'i'UDDl'LH .lASlEti AndBUBON,
Inkeiilkithkn.
JiANlJli-CuKl'OKAL ALBBaX MuKRAi.
Walkehbubn.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
29
PRIVATE J. T. SCOTT BELL
(Broughton)
8i'u H.L.I., Transferred to 7th Royal Scots.
1915. Thursday, September 30.
News was received by his minister that Pri-
vate J. T. Soott Bell, whose name is on the
Roll of Honour of Broughton Parish, and whose
parents lived at Wrae, had met his death in the
Dardanelles. He enlisted in November, 1914.
He was in the 8th Battalion H.L.I. , and trans-
ferred into the l/7th Royal Scots. He sailed
from Devonport on the I3th August for the
Dardanelles. He was a most promising young
man, and deep sympathy is expressed for his
parents and brothers and sisters in their sad
bereavement, but the example he has given of
obedience to the call of King and country, and
his brave stand, true till death, is cherished in
admiring sympathetic hearts. The Chaplain on
H.M. Hospital Ship " Nevash," writing to his
parents, said : —
" Private J. Bell was brought on board
very badly wounded in the head. He never
regained consciousness. At least it may be a
relief to j-ou in your sorrow to know that his
end was quite without pain. We buried him
at sea, about ten miles west of Cape Helles ;
committed to the deep in the sure and certain
hope of resurrection to eternal life, when the
sea shall give up her dead to our Lord Jesus
Christ. May He in His infinite love and pity
give you comfort in your great sorrow."
From Loos the death-roll has shifted once
more to the Dardanelles in this far-flung battle
line. His brother John was to fall on June 1,
1916.
" A fool ! Ala, no ! He was more than wise,
His was the proudest part ;
He died with the glory of faith in his eyes,
And the glory of love in his heart.
And though there's never a grave to tell,
Nor a cross to mark his fall.
Thank God ! we know that he fought right
well
In the last great game of all."
PRIVATE GEORGE LUKE
12th Royal Scots.
1915. October 3.
Private George Luke enlisted on 31sl
August, 1914. He was wounded on 25th Sep-
teinl^er, 1915, and taken prisoner then, and
died on 3vd October, 1915.
All these things they took;
Ah, and I gave them, all things 1 forsook
But that green blade ot wheat.
My own soul's courage, that they did not
take."
■Since they have died to give us gentleness
And hearts kind with contentment and
quiet mirth.
Let us who live give also happiness
And love, that's born of pity, to the
earth."
SEC. LIEUT. WM. BALLANTYNE
(KrRKXJRD AND NeWLANDS)
Black Watch.
1915. Wednesday, October 13.
On a Sunday, in the Parish Church, before
the congregation sang O.xenham's " Hymn for
the Men at the Front," the Rev. Mr Miller
made reference to the death of Second Lieu-
tenant William Ballantyne, intelligence of
which was received from France the previous
week. He said that many of the-m would be
able to recall the bright-spirited, muscular boy,
who a few years ago attended their Sabbath
school and church with e.xemplary regularity.
After serving an apprenticeship at Biggar, he
went in the capacity of commercial traveller to
London. On the outbreak of hostilities he joined
the army, and his many excellent qualities soon
brought him recognition, and he rose step by
step until within the last few weeks he was
honoured with a commission in one of thei finest
of our Highland regiments. Like many another
brave lad, he had fallen when leading others
on to victory, and he had left behind him a
noble example of duty performed at the price-
of life itself. Although his life had not been
long, his fame would long endure, and he would
be remembered among them as one who brought
the greatest possible credit to his parents, to
their Sabbath school, and to the whole com-
munity. They felt for his sorrowing relatives
in their poignant grief, and they commended
them to the God and Father of all consolation,
who, by the power of His Holy Spirit the Com-
forter could bring light out of darkness and
turn all earthly sorrows into everlasting joy.
His brother John was to fall on September
30, 1918.
William Ballantyne was the fourth son of
Mr and Mrs J. Ballantyne, and likc' his brother
was brought up in Newlands and Kirkurd.
30
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
After serving his apprenticesliip in Biggar he
proceeded to London. He was an enthusiastic
member of the London Scottisl:, and on the
outbreak of war he proceeded witli his battalion
to France, taking part in several memorable
engagements. He was wounded in November.
1914, and invalided home, but rejoined his regi-
ment in March, 1915. He was gazetted to the
1st Battalion Black Watch in September, 1915,
and fell in action at Hullach on 13th Octobei',
1915. aged 25 yeaxs.
Oh, may I join the choir invisible
Of those immortal dead who live again
In minds made better by their presence : live
In pulses stirred to generosity,
In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn
For miserable aims that end with self,
In thoughts snblime that pierce the night like
stars,
And with their mild persistence urge man's
search
To vaster issues.
This is life to come,
Which martyred men have made more
glorious
For us to strive to follow. May I reach
That purest haven to be to other souls
The cup of strength in some great agony.
Enkindle generous ardour, feed pure love.
Beget the smiles that have no cruelty —
Be the sweet presence of a good diffused,
And in diffusion ever more intense,
So shall I join the choir invisible.
Whose music is the gladness of the world.
PRIVATE TOM DALGLEISH
(Traquaib)
8th Royal Scots.
1915. October 19.
Quite a gloom was cast over Traquair di.strict
when it was learned that Private Tom Dal-
gleish, 8th Royal Scots (son of Mr Dalgleish,
farmer, Traquair Mill), liad made the supreme
sacrifioe in France. Private Dalgleisli enlisted
in January, and was in France for sevei-al
months. The sad intelligence was conveyed to
lii.'i father in the following letter : —
" France, Wednesday, 20th October, 1915.
— It is with great regret that I have to in-
form you that your .ion was killed last night
at about nine o'clock, Tuesday, 19th October,
We were working as usual just behind our
own front line when a rifle grenade fell among
several who were working together. It killed
your son, besides killing another and wound-
ing two. It will perhaps be some consolation
to know that your son suffered no pain. Ever
since he joined this Battalion we have known
your son to be a willing worker and a cheer-
ful comrade. He is much missed here."
' 'It is with much regret that I write you this
notei. There is no doubt that you will have
leai'ned by this time of the death of your son.
The parcel which you despatched on the 20tli
reached us safe aaid sound, and w© only regret
his absence in sharing the many good things
we received from home. There were eleven
of us in the billet ; now we are reduced to
seven by two killed and two wounded. We
miss them all very much. The following day
was very quiet — there was an awful dullness
amongst us. Tom was well liked among us,
and the eleven of us lived together like
brothers. He was a nice lad, and ever ready
to lend a helping hand. He is buried in a
nice little soldiers' burial-ground adjoining a
small village not far from where he was
killed. We held a nice little service, ad-
dressed by our Battalion Chaplain. We all
join in sending you our deepest sympathy in
your sad bereavement."
A shallow trend) for one so tall !
" Heads down " — no need for that old call
Beneath the upturned sod.
Safe lies his body, never fret.
Behind that crumpled parapet.
And over all this wind and wet
His soul sits safe with God.
PRIVATE ANDREW LOWRIE
(Walkerburn)
12th Royal Scots.
1915. November 4.
Long after the dreadful Battle of Loos the
mother of Private Andrew Ijowrie at Walker-
burn received word that her son had died of
wounds on Thursday, the 4th of November,
1915. Before the war Andrew Lowrie had
l)ccn a warehouseman in Twecdvale Mills. He
oilisted in September, 1914, and in a year from
that date was severely wounded at Loos. No-
tiling was known of his fate for a long time,
hut at length his mother received information
tliat 1)0 had been taken prisoner wlien wounded
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
31
and had died in a Military Hospital in Ger-
many, and his body was buried near Hullucli.
No easy hojies or lies
Shall brhig us to our goal,
But iron sacrifice
Of body, will, and soul.
There is but one task for all —
For each one life to give,
Who stands if freedom fall ?
Who dies if Britain live ?
Though all we made depart.
The old commandments stand :
" In patience keep your heart,
In strength lift up your hand."
SERGEANT HUGH CRAWFORD
(BaOUGHTON AND StOBO)
IIth Abgyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
1915. November 10.
Sergeant Hugh Crawford, Broughton, of the
11th Ai-gyll & Sutherland Highlanders, was a
man of soldierly bearing and experience, having
served twelve years in the Ai'my, and had seen
service in India and South Africa. Before the
war he was employed on the Caledonian Rail-
way. Before a great engagement in November
he wrote his minister, Mr Baird, stating he was
prejDaring for battle under his trusted officer,
Captain Home, formerly H.M.I, of Schools,
whose relatives are comrected with the district.
He was afraid that it would b© his last letter,
and that he had his soldier's New Testament, a
gift from his church, which he greatly prized.
He received severe injuries while burying a
comrade, and died on Wednesday, the 10th
November, 1915. His grave was in the Villers
Cemetery, side by side with many of the gallant
lads who had fallen before him, and was marked
with a cross showing his name and date of
death. Heartfelt sympathy was expressed for
his widow and all his relatives.
It seemeth death to tlio-s©' who stay below,
When Christians leave the earth,
But to the ones who meet them where they go
It is not death but birth.
The face of Death is toward the Sun of Life,
His shadow darkens death ; his truer name
Is onward, no discordance in the roll
And march of that Eternal harmony
Whereto the worlds beat time, thougli faintly
heard
Until the great hereafter. Mourn in hope.
TROOPER JOHN KETCHEN
(Broughton)
Lanarkshire Yeomanry.
1915. novesiber 19.
Trooper John Ketchen, eldest son of Mr and
Mrs Ketchen, Yestermains, Gifford, and grand-
son of John Ketchen, late of Parkgatestone,
Broughton, was educated at Broughton School,
joined the Lanarkshire Yeomanry, and was
killed in action at the Dardanelles on Friday,
19tli November, 1915. The following letter
from the Sergeant of the Troop was received
by his mother : —
" It is with the deepest regret that I pen
these few lines. I expect that by now you
will have received official notification of the
death in action of your son John, and I en-
close the following ai'ticles, thinking that
you would like to have them, also this note
to give you a few details.
" He was defending a tiench captured the
previous day from the Turks. On the night
of the 19th the enemy attacked us twice, and
was repulsed, and it was during this engage-
ment that Jack went down. He was a
bomber, and was in advance of our trench,
throwing bombs when he met his end. He
was killed by an enemy bomb, death being
instantaneous, therefore he suffered no pain.
We carried him out and he was taken down
to the rest camp next morning, and buried in
the Divisional Cemetery. Our Major John-
stone-Ferguson attended the funeral, also the
Chaplain; and we intend as a mark of re-
spect to put a small cross on the grave so
that it won't be a nameless one.
" Your son, Mrs Ketchen, was one of the
best soldiers in the squad, and he was liked
by both officers and men for his quiet, un-
assuming manner and cheery nature, and we
all mourn his loss as a pal and one of the
best. As Sergeant of thei Troop, I can say
he was alwaj's ready to do his duty cheer-
fully, and he met his death facing the enemy
and doing his duty to the end.
" I must close' now as nO' words can re-
compense you for the very great loss you have
suffered. But you have one consolation that
lie died doing his duty. " Greater love hath
no man than he should lay down his life for
Ills friends." The colour I cut from his tunic
.1-^
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
is our regimental ribbon. The rest of the
articles were in his breast pocket."
Together lay them in one common grave,
Tliese noble sons of Britain and of France,
Who side by side did yesterday advance,
And to their foes a dear example gave
Of what a freeman's worth beyond a slave.
Tlieir's was a noble fellowship in life,
They breathed their lives out in one glorious
strife ;
Then let them lie, the brave beside the brave.
And sleep with them, for evermore to cease,
Sleep with the sleep which no awaking knows,
The long contention of eight hundred years.
While from their ashes the fair tree of peace
Springs, under which two nations may repose
In love which ancient discord more endears.
PTE. WILLIAM HENRY DRUDGE
(Kailzie)
8th Eotal Scots.
1915. November 24.
William Henry Drudge was born at Vent-
nor, Isle of Wight, on the 28tli of June, 1895,
and was educated at the Parochial Schools
there. His first employment was in the gar-
dens of St Lawrence Hall, the residence of the
late Sir Charles Cayzer, Bart. Thereafter ho
came to Peebles in order to fill a similar posi-
tion in the gardens of William Cree, Esq., of
Kailzie.
In tihe month of November, 1914, William
enlisted in tlie 8th Royal Scots, and thus be-
came one of those brave " Contemptibles,"
who nobly served their country in the very
beginning. His military life continued for
one short year, as he fell on the 24th Novem-
ber, 1915, on the Albert Front. His brother
was .stationed at the time at Vignacourt, and
as soon as he learned that William had been
hit, he iiastened to the Casualty Clearing
Station at VilJcrs Bocage, and was there in-
formed that his brother was shot through the
hhoulder, the bullet passing out through tlio
abdomen. He had been repairing iho parapet
of a trench. He died in hospital on the fol-
lowing day, Wednesday, November 24, 1915.
In Flanders fields the poppies bloon\
.\bove your lowly hallowed tomb.
That your brave deeds may never die
The torch of freechini lifted liigh,
Sliall whine forever where you lie.
No more in Flanders field will grow
The Crosses, endless, row on row-.
For crushed and conquered lies the foe.
We kept the faith, we've seen it through.
Our myriad Brave lie dead with you.
In Flanders fields.
LCE.-CPL. GEORGE SOMERVILLE
(Innerleithen)
7th Se.\forth Highlanders.
1915. November 25.
Lance-Corporal George Somerville, of the 7th
Seaforth Highlanders, was the youngest son of
Mr George Somerville, Marmion Cottage, In-
nerleithen. He died of wounds in France on
November 25, 1915. He had enlisted six
months previously, and was formerly a member
of the City of Edinburgh Police Force. His
brother William was fated to fall on March
28, 1918.
Since the Canadians raided the enemy
trenches south-west of Messines on November
18, there had been no great fights for some
days, but in the early days of November there
had been much activity in the Champagne
ai'ea.
Well, to suffer is divine ;
Pass the watchword down the line,
Pass the countersign: " Endure!"
Not to him who rashly dares.
But to him who nobly bears.
Is the victor's garland sure.
Frozen earth to frozen breast.
Lay our slain one down to rest,
Lay him down in hopes and faith ;
And above the broken sod.
Once again to Freedom's God
Pledge ourselves for life or death.
CORPORAL GAVIN SEMPLE
(Brougiiton)
Lanarkshire Yeomanry.
1915. December 24.
Corporal Ga.vin Semple, son of .James Scniple,
larmcr, i'yelknowe, Kilbucho, was educated
at Biggar. He joined the TvJinai'kshire Yeo-
manry in 1913, and nidbilisfil with thtmi on the
outbreak of war, Angust. 1914. He was
.statiunetl at Cupar Fife until they were tx-'ut
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
33
out to Gallipoli in September, 1915, having vol-
unteered for foreign service. He was killed in
action at Gallipoli on Friday, 24th December,
1915, aged 23 years. His officer wrote to his
father : —
" Dear Sir, — You will have learned before
this of the sad newsi of the death of your
son. It was caused by a sliell bursting in the
part of the trench where he was sitting.
Death was instantaneous, and he suffered no
pain. He was one of the bravest and most
promising of our non-commissioned officers.
His death leaves a blank which it will be
difficult to fill. He was buried in the Ceme-
tery of the 52nd Di^•ision."
From his diary one sees how keen he was
from the notes on entrenching, the careful lists
he kept, the troop roll, the names and ad-
dresses of the next-of-kin. In the diary he tells
of the regimental order for active service,
equipment, the farewell, the gi'eat send-off
from Cupar, the embarkation on the troopship
" Arcadian " — the voyage to the East, for Gal-
lipoli, passing Gibraltar, a view of the African
Coast, aiTival at Valetta, reaching Mudros, the
landing, the hillside burrowed out like a rabbit
warren, Achi Baba, his intention to record
each day in his diary the day's work ; we read
of fatigue duty, men suffering from dysentery,
his joy receiving home letters and parcels, the
winter cold and blizzards, their moving up to
Eski lines, the torrential rains, and then the
record ends with a pathetic sketch entitled
" Tlie Soldier's Dream."
The soldier on guaxd in the trenches, with
greatcoat, rifle and bayonet; the soldier's re-
turn, the evening meal, the loved ones around
the boaxd, a faithful collie getting a tit-bit, the
soldier in the place of honour, the fire blinking
bonnily, and the words " Home, Sweet Home."
When the fatal shell burst in the trenches a
comrade tells that Gavin was reading one of
Burns' poems, thinking of the dear old country.
Faithful unto death through the faith in the
great Captain of our Salvation and Elder
Brother, has he not found the eternal home
and the assurance of the glad re-union ?
" They cannot die whose lives are part
Of the great life that is to be.
Whose hearts beat with the world's gi'eat
heart,
And throb with its high destiny."
TROOPER JAMES ANDERSON
(Innerleithen)
1st Lanarkshire Yeomanry.
1915. December 25.
The ancient fighting spirit of the Borders
survives yet among the hopes and glens of
Peeblesshire, and the toll exacted by the war
from the sons of the shepherds and farmers of
the Upper Borders will serve to demonstrate to
unborn generations how these stalwart sons of
Tweeddale, scions of those' who fell at Flodden,
were not afraid to give up all, even life itself,
for Scotland and the Empire. Tlie 1st Lanark-
shire Yeomany specially distinguished them-
selves. Many of its gallant members fell;
others received decorations; many others de-
served them, but did not survive to have their
merits acknowledged.
Trooper James Anderson, second son of
George Anderson, shepherd, left the beautifully-
wooded hillsides of Glenormiston at the be-
ginning of the war and enlisted in the Yeo-
manry. Bravely he fought in the disastrous
expedition of the Dardanelles. He had all but
won through, because the evacuation was de-
cided upon, and had been proceeding for some
days, when a Turkish sdrell laid him low on
Christmas Day (Saturday), 1915. By the 10th
of the following month the British had
evacuated thie whole of Gallipoli Peninsula,
leaving in its occupation the bodies of more
than a hundred thousand heroes, who, although
not attaining at the time their objective, which
was Constantmople, yet in the end by their
glorious self-sacrifice rendered succesisful the
entry of the British into that historic city and
also the victory of the war. Of these was
Trooper James Anderson, who was a real hard
worker, and very popular among the men.
But now the day has com© along —
With rifle, haversack, and pack.
We're off a hundred thousand strong.
And some of us will not come back.
But all we ask if that befall
Is this. Within your hearts be writ
This single line memorial —
" He did his duty and his bit."
LCE.-CPL. ALBERT MURRAY
(Walkerburn)
11th Royal Scots.
1915. Friday, December 31.
Died of wound, received on Dec. 12th, at
Wharnecliffe War Hospital, Sheffield, L.-Corpl.
Albei't Murray, 11th Royal Scots, son of Wm.
34
County of Peebles Booi; of RemembrAxNce.
jMurray, Holylee, Walkerburn. The interment
took place in Innerleithen Cemeteiy, the body,
draped with the Union Jack, being met at the
tra^n by a firuig party, under Sergeant-Major
Watson, and the Pipe Band of the 3/7th Royal
Scots, under Drum-Major D. Ross. The cor-
tege moved oft to the sad strains of " The
Flowers o' the Forest." When the body had
been committed three volleys were fired, and
the " Land o' the Leal " was played on the
pipes. The " Last Post " was sounded on the
bugles, and the sad ceremony was over. He
had been home on furlough a fortnight before
he was wounded. He had a brother in the
Army and another in the Navy.
We who ai'e left how shall we look again
Happily on the sun or feel the rain
Without remembering how they who went
Ungrudgingly, and spent
Their lives for us, loved, too, the sun and
rain ?
A bird among the rain-wet lilac sings —
But we, how shall we turn to little things.
And listen to the birds and winds and streams
Made holy by their dreams,
Nor feel the heart-break in the heart of
things ?
LIEUT. ROBERT NORRIE JERVIS
(Stobo and Peebles)
Royal Engineers.
1916. January 5.
Killed in action in France on Wednesday,
5th January, 1916, Lieutenant Robert Norrie
Jervis, Royal Engineers, aged 27 years, young-
est son of the late Andiew Jervis, school-
maater, Stobo, and of Mrs Jervis, Wemyss
Place, Peebles. Lieutenant R. N. Jervis, who
was killed in action in France, was a
graduate of Edinburgh University, and held
the degree of B.Sc. in Engineering. He served
his engineering apprenticeship with the firm
of Messrs Bertram, Scicnncs, Edinburgh, and
was for a time in the employment of the Edin-
burgh and District Water Trust. Lieutenant
Jervis was ;iii cntliusiastic volunteer, and for a
number of years was connected with the Queen's
Edinburgh Rifles and the University O.T.C.
Engineers. On the outbreak of war lie volun-
teered for active service, and received a com-
missdon in the Royal Engineers. He met death
from a stray bullet while superintending niglit
work near the front line on the evening of 5tli
January. The following is fui extract from a
letter received by Mrs Jervis from the
Brigadier-General : —
" Whilst Lieutenant Jervis had been at-
tached to this Brigade for engineer work 1
formed the highest opinion of him. He was
always full of work and zeal, and never
spared himself in cai-rying out his various
duties. It is only about a month ago that I
sent in a special report on the splendid way
he had carried out all his work. The nation
has lost a good and promising officer, whose
whole heart was in his work."
The Major of the Comj^any also writes : —
" Lieutenant Jervis was a good officer,
whose influence in the Company had always
been for duty and efficiency, and I recom-
mended him for promotion to Captain
some months ago."
Much sympathy was expressed by a
wide circle of friends for Lieutenant Jervis'
widowed mother and sisters and two brothers
in their great loss.
It is but crossing with a bated breath.
And with set face a little strip of sea.
To find the loved ones waiting on the shore,
More beautiful, more precious than before.
I camiot make it seem a day to dread
When from this deai- earth I shall journey
out
To that still dearer Country of the dead
And join the lost ones so long dreamed
about.
I love this world ! Yet I shall love to go
To meet the friends who v\'ait for me I know.
SERGEANT EDWARD OLIVER
(Innerleitilen)
8th Royal Scots.
1916. February 24.
Sergeant Edward Oliver, 2 /8th Royal Scots,
Transport Section, was laid to rest with mili-
tary honours on February 28, 1916, aged 23.
Sergeant Oliver had contracted a cliill some
wooks previously, which dovelopcd into inflam-
mation of the brain, llo was taken to Falkirk
Infirmary. News of his improvement in healtli
followed his admission, but a relapse ended
fatally on Thursday, Fobraary 24th. His re-
mains wore brought to Innerleithen and taken
f tlio house of liis ])a.rcnts at Aisle Croft. 'On
Monday, the 28tli, the cortege proceeded from
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
35
the house, led by a firing party from the 3/7th
Eoyal Scots, with the pipe band playing as a
slow march " Scots wha hae." At the grave-
side after committing the body three volleys
were fired, and the " Last Post " was sounded
on the bugles. Sergeant Oliver was of a quiet,
amiable disjiosition. and was liked by his com-
rades. Brothers — Tom Oliver, Camerons, twice
wounded; A. Oliver, K.O.S.B., wounded.
Edward Oliver was for four years a Terri-
torial Volunteer, and when war was declared
on the 4th of August, 1914, he bravely answered
his country's call and re-enlisted. He was well-
known in Peebles, being on the transport when
the 2/8th Royal Scots were encamped on Kings-
meadows in 1915, where his photograph was
taken. He was a strictly temperate man, well
loved by all who knew him. His mother had
the comfort of being beside the bed of her
beloved son at the end, when he clasped her
hand and said — " Good-bye, dear mother; don't
worry about me, I am quite happy; cheer up."
He repeated the hymn, " Rock of Ages," also
" Peace*, peace, perfect peace," and added,
" Till we meet again."
Oh, I saw you lying still,
All so crumpled and so still,
At the bottom of the hill,
Comrades mine.
In the twilight of the dawn,
Of the rose and silver dawn,
That brought in the battle morn,
Comrades mine.
And ye taught me how to die.
How a soldier ought to die.
Duty done without a sigh,
Comrades mine.
God of courage grant me grace,
Grant me His especial grace,
With you boys to see His face,
Comrades mine.
LIEUT. JOSEPH MAXWELL-
STUART.
(Traqtjair)
3rd Duke of Wellington's Regiment.
1916. Thursday, March 2.
Lieut. Joseph Maxwell-Stuart was born at
Ascot, Berkshire, on the 22nd August, 1896, and
was the fifth son of Mr and the Hon. Mrs
Edmund Maxwell-Stuart of Batworth Park,
Arundel. He was educated at Stonyhurst Col-
lege, Lanes., which he left in 1914, and took up
a position on the staff of the Midland Railway,
and during his six months' service with them
he gave great satisfaction to his superiors, be-
ing earnest and energetic and most conscien-
tious. He, however, felt a strong conviction
that it was his duty to fight for his country,
and consequently obtained leave from his em-
ployers to join the army. He obtained a com-
mission, and was gazetted as Second Lieutenant
in the 3rd Duke of Wellington's Regiment,
March 6th, 1915. After a period of training
Lieut. Maxwell-Stuart went out to France. In
December, 1915, he was wounded near Ypres
and was invalided home for a time. In Feb-
ruary, 1916, he rejoined his regiment in France,
and on the 2nd of March he was killed instan-
taneously by a shell near Ypres just as they
were moving out of the trenches, his battalion
having been relieved after a period of very
heavy bombardment. He was aged nineteen.
The sad news was received in Traquair with
deep regret. Eloquent testimony to the regi-
mental esteem in which Lieut. Maxwell-Stuart
was held is expressed in a letter to his father
from Captain Danby, the Adjutant, who vreites :
" Dear Mr Stuart, — It is with the greatest
regret that I have to tell you of your son's
death. We had been in action for a long time
and had had a really heavy bombardment,
under which we had lost a lot of men, but
had been i-elieved and were moving out behind
the lines when he was killed. The Command-
ing Oflicer wishes me to express his deep sym-
pathy with you, and to say that he valued
his services very highly indeed, and feels his
loss very keenly. I can only say that he has
shewn, himself to be a brave and gallant
officer, who had by his courage and cheerful-
ness endeared himself to every ofRcer and
man who served with him. His body was
brought down and will be given a proper
burial, and I have arranged to have his gi-ave
marked with a little cross to keep his memory
fresh in our minds. May I as a brother
officer and friend of his express my deep sym-
pathy with you in your great loss."
Tlie four song of this ancient house who fell
were : —
1916, March 2— Joseph Maxwell-Stuart, fifth
son.
36
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
1916. April 26.— Edmund Maxwell-Stuart,
third son.
1917. October 9.— Harry Maxwell-Stuart,
second son.
1918. August 24.— Alfred Maxwell-Stuart,
fourth son.
Ah, Mary, pierced with sorrow,
Remember, reach, and save
The soul that comes te-mori'ow
Before the God that gave :
Since each was born of woman.
For each, at utter iieed,
True comrade and true foeman,
Madonna, intercede
SGT.-MAJOR ANDREW DOHERTY
(Innerleithen)
10th Highland Light Infantry.
1916. Saturday, March 18.
In a letter from the Battalion Chaplain the
sad news that Sergt. -Major Doherty, second son
of Mr James Doherty, luggage porter, Inner-
leithen, had been killed in action on 18th inst.,
was conveyed to his father. He was a well-
known Innerleithen man, and before mobilisa-
tion was an official of several of the public in-
stitutions in the town. He took a great interest
in the affairs of the Silver Band, being a mem-
ber of committee. He was employed in Leithen
Spinning Mill. When a young man he enlisted
in the 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry,
and on completion of eight years' service he
resigned with the rank of sergeant. On mobili-
sation at the commencement of the war he was
posted to the 10th Battalion, and promoted first
to Oompany Quartermaster-Sergeant and after-
wards to Ckjmpany Sergeant-Major. He was
drafted to France on 25th May, 1915, and
was engaged with his regiment at the battle of
Loos. Thereafter he was granted 72 liours'
leave of absence, when he returned to Inner-
leithen — the only occasion allowed him to visit
his home since leaving for Franco. He was 32
years of age, and left a widow (a daughter of
Mrs Brunton, 62 High Street), and two child-
ren, for whom great sympathy was felt in their
sore bereavement. Sergeant-Major Doherty waa
one of four brothers serving with the coloui-e —
two of whom were stationed in England, and the
third wa« with the H.L.I. in Mesopotamia. The
following is the letter received by Mr James
Doherty intimating his son's death : —
" 18th March, 1916.— Dear Mr Doherty,— It
is with the deepest regret that I write to
inform you of the death to-day of your son,
CSompany Sergeant-Major Doherty, C Com-
pany, 10th H.L.I. I writei to you rather than
to his wife, thinking it would make it a little
easier for her if you broke the sad news to
her. Sergeant-Major Doherty and his bat-
man, Pte. Milligan, were both struck by the
same shell about mid-day, and both instan-
taneously killed. We buried them side by
side to-night in a soldiers' cemetery behind
the trenches. Crosses will be erected over
their gi'aves in a day or two. All the graves
are carefully registered by the Graves Regis-
tration Commission, who are always ready to
give information to friends. Sergeant-Major
Doherty's death is very deeply regretted by
all the officers and men of the battalion,
and particularly by those of his own
company. I have been much struck to-
night by the general expressions of sorrow
on the part of all the officers and men
I have met. Personally I felt a deep
sense of loss when I heard the sad news.
I always found him most willing to
help me in any way by leading the sing-
ing and assisting at communion services
when I required help. I had for him a warm
esteem and regard, and shall miss him very
much. We all feel deeply for his sorrowing
widow and children. It is a very sore blow
for her. May God comfort her and her little
ones and comfort you all. Will you please
break the sad news to her. I am asking
much from you, but it will be easier for her."
" Dear Mrs Doherty, — I have a most un-
pleasant task to perform, and that is to in-
form you of the death of your husband, which
occurred yesterday about 12.25 noon. I will
endeavour to describe as briefly as possible
the circumstances. The Company grenadiers
wei'e firing rifle grenades, and I had person-
ally warned everybody to be on the lookout
for the enemy's trench mortar bombs, your
liusband being amongst the number. Unfor-
tunately at the moment your husband was
reading a message which he had received from
Headquarters, and was so interested that he,
Lieut. Eobekt Norkie Jeevis,
Stobo and Peebles.
LlEtrr. JosEWI iFAXWELL-STUARX,
TitAQUAin.
C^ElinEANT KdWARD OLIVER,
Innerleithen.
sehgeant-arajob andrew doherty,
Innerleithen.
I'nivATE Henry Ii'oiirest,
WALiOiKBURX.
Lieut. Edmund MaxweIjL-Stuart,
Traquaie
ri;l\ All; K'liiii'i: i 1 1 1 mi,,
Innkiii f,itiii-.n.
J'lllVAIll AucnillAIJJ J;iCKBON,
NEWr.,ANDa AM) l!liiiii(!llJ'ON.
PmvATE Walter Claeke,
Innebleithen,
i'juvATE Alexamjek Cosens Browx,
TwEEDSMUrR.
Private James C, Thokburn,
Walkekbubn.
Captain Ian A. G. Ferguson,
Innerleithen.
Batter John Bell,
Broughton.
Privatk .To.SHT'A I'uiXCLlv
InMvKLKII'HEX.
I'lnvAii. Ii'oiii in TnKnTON,
Manoii, Inn I'll Li;i'r'HKN.
Sappki! Aiu'iiiiiA m) Ix(;i.is.
Walkkrbutjn.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
37
of course, failed to keep a sharp look out
until too late to be of any real service to him.
Still, he and his comrades who were with him
heard it and looked up to see where it was.
They evidently did see it, and ruslied to the
neai-est cover, which was a bridge under a
railway. Your husband evidently thought
that the bomb was landing on the railway,
and endeavoured to regain his own dug-out,
which was only five yards away, when the
bomb burst. He died in about two minutes.
Had he stopped under the small railway
bridge, I am afraid the result would have
been the same, as of the men who stayed
there, one, his own servant, was killed, and
the other wounded. Had he reached his own
dug-out he would have been safe, but we
found him lying with his head towards the
door, as if he was about to enter it. He died
almost instantly, and I am sure felt no pain.
He had a bad wound in the head, and a very
bad wound in the right side. Please accept
my sincere sympathy in your sad bereave-
ment, not only from myself but also from my
brother officers, from Colonel Stuart, com-
manding, to his humblest comrade. I myself
have felt it vei-y much, and although in a
military sense our ranks were different, you
must understand h© was my right-hand man ;
him I fully trusted to do everything that was
needed, and have never had any fault to find.
He was a man who knew his duties thor-
oughly, and carried them out in a most jovial
way, both in the trenches and out of them.
With always being in contact with him, I
can say he was always fearless and did his
work in a most efficient way. I have been
with him under the heaviest of enemy's fire,
and 1 never found him wanting. He always
lent a helping hand to anybody who required
it, and the Company wherein he served. All
are very down-mouthed indeed ; it gave every-
one a great shock when they heard about it,
and they have really not got over it yet ; men
who see the same thing every day are really
knocked out of time. Really, Mrs Doherty,
I cannot express my feelings fully. I wish I
could, but I must leave it to your imagination
to picture the sorrow of the Company in los-
ing so good a man. Perhaps you would like a
photo of his gi'ave; if so, would you please let
mo know, and I will endeavour to procure
one. Once again, please accept the sympathy
of the whole Company, also of myself and
brother officers."
His cousin, Q.M.S. John Doherty, was to fall
.ju March 22, 1918.
. . . Then like grim warriors of old
Let us glory in our scars.
And read aright, my doubting wight,
God's emblem of the stars :
Our highest, best achieved — behold,
A higher niche and sphere !
Nor deem the battle lost or won,
There's something yet beyond the sun
When our brief thread of life is spun,
And sorrows disappear :
.\ myriad suns beyond the sim.
Serene, resplendent, clear !
Vaughan.
PRIVATE HENRY FORREST
(Walkeebxjrn)
Cameron Highlanders.
1916. April 18.
Mr Alexander Forrest, Tweedview, Walker-
burn, received official notice from the District
Piecord Office', Perth, that his son. Private
Henry Forrest, Cameron Highlanders, had been
killed in action on Tuesday, the 18th April. A
letter also was received from the Captain of
Private Forrest's Company, stating that he was
killed instantaneously by the bursting of a shell
which landed in his dug-out. Private Forrest
was scarcely nineteen years of age, and enlisted
on the 30th of March, 1915, being one of those
gallant young lads who burned to fight in de-
fence of their country. He proceeded to France
on the 14th of July, and took part in an en-
gagement on the 12th of October. At the time
when he fell there was much fighting going on
around Ypres.
If I sihould fall upon the field,
And lie among the slain.
Then mine will be the victory.
And yours the pain ;
For this in prospect comforts me
Against all saddening fears.
That dying so I make myself
Worthy your tears.
38
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE ARCHIBALD DICKSON
(Newlands and Broughton)
Black Watch.
1916. April 22
It is with deep regret that we have to place
on record the death of Private Archibald Dick-
son, Black Watch, youngest son of Mr Tliomas
Dickson, forester, Dodhea.d, Macbiehill. In the
Mesopotamia campaign, at the Battle of Kut, he
was killed in action on Saturday, the 22nd April,
1916 — a time of fierce fighting. The previous
year he was seriously wounded at the Battle of
Loos, so that his military career had been one
of sufiering. He was only 21 years of age, and
was a lad of a quiet, unassuming disposition, on
whose countenance there invariably beamed a
genial smile. Much sympathy was felt in the
district for his aged father and for his brothers
and sisters, who were left to mourn his pre-
mature death in a distant land.
" The Indian knows his place of rest,
Far in the cedar shade."
Mr Dickson has two other sons serving with
the Colours — a commendable lecord in a pat-
riotic family.
Wlien Archibald Dick-son fell the British
had been suffering a severe check on the way
to Kut. The British experienced very severe
losses, although not to the same extent as the
enemy, who lost more than 3000 men. On
April 23 the British attacked the Turkish
position at Sanna-i-yat after bombarding it
systematically for two days. Owing to floods
it was found possi))le for one Brigade only to
attack, and the result was a failure, despite
tlie great gallantry of tlio British troops.
He is buried ! Ckimrade, sleep !
A wooden cross at your brave liead will stand.
A cross of wood ? A Oalvary !— The land
For whoso sake you laid down sweet life, will
keep
Watch, lad, and ward tliat none may bring to
shame
That Name for which you died ! " What's in a
name?"
Britain ehall answer ! you will lioar her cry :
"Well done, my own! my son — good rest:
good-bye!"
LIEUT. EDMUND MAXWELL-
STUART
(Traquair)
13rH East Yorks Regiment and Royal
Engineers, Tunnelling Coy.
1916. Wednesday, April 26.
He was born at Ascot on the 3rd October,
1892, and was the third son of Mr and Mrs
Edmund Maxwell-Stuart. He was educated at
Stonyhurst College. He left College in July,
1910, and in the following October he entered
The Royal School of Mines at the Imperial
College, London. His four years' course had
been practically completed, and he could have
become a fully qualified mining engineer when
war broke out. Lieutenant Edmund Maxwell-
Stuart already belonged to the College Corps of
Electrical Engineers, but owing to the number
of commissions in the Corps being limited, he
was gazetted Second Lieutenant in the 13th
East Yorkshire Regiment on the 10th November,
1914. A year later he was transferred to the
Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers,
for which his professional training rendered him
specially qualified. He soon went out to the
Western Front, where liis pluck, his powers of
endurance, and his hard work won the hearty
commendation of his superior officers. In
March, 1916, he wrote : — " I am in the death-
trap known as the Salient, burrowing tiinnels
under Hun trenches; in fact, looking for
trouble. For five long shell-ridden months I
have been here, and I feel ten years older than
when I landed." When the turn of his Com-
pany came to take a well-earned rest behind the
lines, Lieut-enant Maxwell-Stuart along with
one brother officer was elected to i-emain behind
to instruct the relieving Company. This duty
he willingly acceded to, and was temporarily
attached to the Canadian Ttmnelling Company.
Very soon afterwards, on April 26th, 1916,
while standing at the door of hisi dug-out on
duty, he was struck by a German shell and
killed instantaneously. His Captain wrote of
him : —
" He was undoubtedly the favourite of our
mess, with his unfailing good humour and
generous courage. His name would have ap-
peared in the next list of recommendations
fi)i- ]n'omotion."
Another : —
" All who knew liim admired and loved
l,im as a fine soldier and a true gontleman."
(The CO. of the Canadian Tunnelling Coy,).
County of Peebles Book, of Remembrance.
39
He was the third son of Mr Edmund Max-
well-Stuart of Batworth Park, Arundel (brother
of Mr Herbert Maxwell-Stuart of Traquair and
Terregles), by his marriage with his cousin
Mary, one of the daughters of Lord Herries (the
tenth). Mr Maxwell-Stuart's younger brother
was killed on iNlarch 2. He was a cousin of the
present Baroness Herries, Duchess of Norfolk.
Be with them. Lord, iii camp and field.
Who guard our ancient name to-night ;
Hark to the cry that rises now.
Lord, Lord, maintain us in our right.
Be with the dying, be with the dead.
Sore stricken far on alien ground.
Be with the ships on clashmg seas.
That gird our island kingdom round.
Through barren nights and fruitless days
Of wasting, when our faith grows dim,
Mary, be with the stricken heart.
Thou hast a Son. remember Him.
PRIVATE ROBERT HUME
(Innerleithen)
9iH Royal Scots.
1916. Wednesday, May 3.
The sad news of another St Eonan's lad being
killed in France reached Lmerleithen, a letter
being received by Mrs Hume, Cauldhame, inti-
matmg that her son, Robert, had been killed by
a bullet. The deceased lad was a private in
the 9th Royal Scots (Dandy Ninth), he having
enlisted in the month of September previously.
He afterwards went to Selkirk, and from
there was drafted to France, and had only
been on active service two months. Prior to
enlistment, deceased was employed as vamnan
with Mr J. Forsyth, and for some time was a
member of St Ronan's Silver Band. He was
eighteen years of age. He had an elder brother
serving in France, in the Black Watch, and
his father was in the 2 /8th Royal Scots, at
present stationed at Chelmsford. The following
is the letter received by Mrs Hume : —
"It is with the deepest regret that I have
to convey to you very bad news about your
son in the 9th Royal Soots. He was struck
last night by a bullet, and in spite of all we
could do for him, he passed away within an
hour. The bullet had got right into his side,
and he lost consciousness almost at once and
never regained it, so you may be sure he
suffered little or no pain before the end. His
loss is deeply regretted both by me, his
platoon officer, and by his comrades in No. 3
platoon. He was always a willing and con-
scientious worker, whatever his task might
be, and always a cheery companion among
the men. I can realise what a blow the news
will be to you and all his family, and you
have our deepest and sincerest sympathy in
your sorrow. He was buried in a little vil-
lage just behind the firing line, where many
a Scotsman lies who* has fallen, like him, in
his country's cause, and our chaplain con-
ducted the service.
His elder brother John was fated to fall on
July 22 of the same year (1916). He was in the
Black Watch.
The song of the man in the khaki coat.
As he stands in the wet and snow,
A smoking rifle in his hands.
And his feet in the mud below.
The tale of the charge and the man that fell.
Of the tunic dyed with red,
The tight-clenched teeth and the clammy
brow,
And the stain where the wound had bled.
! he groaned as he jolted to and fro,
And wan, wan was his smile-a.
But he grit liis teeth and he hummed
" Cheer-o !"
And he died at the end of a mile-a.
PRIVATE WALTER CLARKE
(Innerleithen)
Gordon Highlanders.
1916. Tuesday, May 9.
The sad news of another Innerleithen lad
making the supreme sacrifice arrived in the
town. A companion, writing to some friends
in Innerleithen, conveyed the news that
Private Walter Clarke liad been killed in the
trenches on Tuesday, the 9th May. Intimation
of the sad event was conveyed to his mother,
Mrs Renwiok, Station Road, Innerleithen. He
received his education at the Board School, and
later worked as a baker with Mr Dalgleish,
baker, Innerleithen, and latterly was employed
in the Waverley Mills. Afterwards he was em-
ployed as a warper in the Restalrig Mills, Edin-
burgh. Shortly after war broke out he enlisted,
and saw much active service in France, with the
Gordon Highlanders — Pioneers. He was aged
only 24 years, and was of a very amiable dis-
position.
Private Walter Clarke joined up 5th Sex^t.,
40
County of Peebles Book: of Remembrance.
1914, went to Kent, then Salisbury Plain ; went
to France July, 1915 ; fell May 9th, 1916.
. . If there's any consciousness to follow
The deeji, deep slumber that we know as death.
If death and life are not all vain and hollow,
If life is more than so much indrawn breath,
Then in the hush of twilight I shall oome —
One with immortal life, that knows not death
But ever changes form — I shall come home ;
Although beneath
A wooden cross the clay that once was I
Has ta'en its ancient earthy form anew.
Bat listen to the wind that hurries by.
To all the song of life for tones you knew.
For in the voice of birds, the scent of flowers.
The evening silence and the falling dew.
Through every throbbing pulse of nature's
powers
I'll speak to you.
CAPTAIN IAN A. G. FERGUSON
(Tnnebleithen)
BoYAL Scots.
1916. May 12.
Mrs Ferguson, 41 Polwarth Terrace, Edin-
burgh, received intimation from the 'War Of&ce
that her son. Captain Ian A. G. Ferguson, Eoyal
Scots, was killed in action. Captain Ferguson,
who was born on August 2, 1897, obtained his
Commission as Second Lieutenant in September,
1914, was promoted Lieutenant in June, 1915,
went to the Front in July, 1915, and was
gazetted Captain as from September, 1916, that
is, just after the battle of Loos, which he went
through as machine gun officer of his battalion.
He had then just attained the age of 18, and
was one of the youngest captains in the army.
Captain Ferguson was a son of the late Eev.
J. G. Ferguson, Episcopal clergyman, Inner-
leithen, and a member of the family owning the
business of Alexander Ferguson, confectioner,
Edinburgh and Glasgow, he being a great-
grandson of the founder. His elder brother.
Lieutenant Duncan Ferguson, K.O.S.B., died of
wounds in France a year previously on the 14th
May, 1915.
Fighting was t:i1ung place at \'erincllcs and
Ploegsteert Wood wiien Captain Ian Ferguson
fell.
" Bweet was life and buoyant breath,
Lovely, too; but for a day.
Issues from the house of death
Yet more beautiful array :
Hark, a whisper — ' Come away.'
One by one they spin and fall,
But they fall in regal pride :
Dying, do they hear a call
Eising from an ebbless tide,
And, hearing, are beatified? "
PRIVATE ALEXANDER COSENS
BROWN.
(Twr.EDSMUlE)
8th Eotal Scots.
1916. May 21.
News came and was confirmed that Private
Alexander Brown, Eoyal Scots, had met his
death in France from shell-fire. He was
killed instantaneously. This was the first death
of a native on active service, and it cast
quite a gloom over the whole imrish. Private
Brown was born there about tweaity-seven
years ago, and was the youngest son of Mr
James Brown, retired shepherd, Oliver. In
civil life he was a postman. Possessed of
many admirable qualities, of magnificent phy-
sique, one of the best shots in the Miniature
Eifle Club, and a leading member of the
Bowling Club, he was held in high esteem
by the little community, who einoereJy
lamented his loss. A memorial service was
held in the church on Sunday, when the Rev.
W. S. Crockett spoke as follows: --As I re-
turned from Edinburgh Inst night it was with
a heavy heart I heard that one of our number
— Alexander Brown — had paid the supreme
price last Sunday evening. I am sure I am
voicing the feelings of everyone of you when
I say how deeply we regret the loss of that
truly gallant soul, whom we knew so well and
esteemed so highly. As I have looked on his
splendidly-built body, his finely-knit muscu-
lar frame, I have often thought and said that
in our glen there was no better specimen of
physical development. A''ou all know how
faithfully he performed his duty as a post-
man ; how careful, how punctual, how oblig-
ing he was. Nor was he less a good soldier.
His recent visit home made us all feel proud
of him, for he was looking so fit, so healthy,
■so handsome— all the better for his experience
of trench-life, sjiite of the severe liardshiji
and sacrifice. One is couil'ortod by the know-
ledge that ho died instantaneously, that
he suffered no jiain, tliat his passage
was swift and -sudden from the ttu'rora
of the battlefield to the serenity of God's
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
41
eternity. He is the first of our young men to
fall— the first, may he be the last— of that
noble band of our natives who are so man-
fully upholding the traditions of Tweedside.
I am sure that all our hearts go out this day
in profound and reverent sympathy with the
parents of our departed comrade. With quiet
fortitude they are bearing their heavy cross.
They are comforted by the remembrance that
their brave boy surrendered his life in the
noblest of causes— that he sacrificed himself
for the sake of a world on which black ruin
would have fallen but for the heroism of him-
self and millions more. For many a long
year we shall cherish his memory, and I hope
that some suitable memorial will carry his
name down as an example of courage and gen-
erous sacrifice to those who will come after
us here, when our places also are empty. He
was a member of this church, a regular wor-
shipper with us; and to-day we are not the
poorer, but all the richer, even though he lies
in a foreigii land, and we shall never see him
again in his accustomed corner. For he has
left behind him a legacy of kindliness, of
genuine modesty, of sincere unafl'ectedness,
and of sterling devotion to duty; all of
which help to make his waygoing less lament-
able, less clouded with the sorrow which
death so often brings. He has fallen in the
most glorious of causes — for king and for
country, for honour and truth, for right and
the liberty of nations, for the sake of the
peace of the world. A man who falls thus
can never lose his reward. Upon his brow
the Lord of Mercy and of Might has placed
the Crown of Victory.
The parents of the late Private Alexander
Brown received the following fine tribute
from His Majesty's Postmaster-General: — " I
desire to express my deep regret at the death
of Mr Alexander Cosens Brown, who, after
eleven years' faithful service to the State as
an officer of the Post Office, has lost his life,
while serving his c()untry in war.— Joseph
Pease, Postmaster-General."
" My good right hand forgets
Its cunning now —
To march the weary march
I know not how.
My half-day's work is done,
And this is all my part;
I give a patient God
My patient heart."
PRIVATE JAMES C. THORBURN
(Walkerbuen)
8th Royal Scots.
1916. Mat 21.
James Thorburn joined up early in the war
and went to France in November, 1914, being
a member of General French's "contemptible
army." He was invalided home after some
months, but returned again to France in the
spring of 1915. He was home again only
once, and met his death on Sunday, 21st of
May, 1916. The soldiers had been billeted in
a village, and were preparing to retire for
tlie night, when the Germans began to shell
the village, and before the company could
leave their quarters a shell landed on their
dwelling and killed seven outright, besides
wounding many others.
He was employed in Walkerburn prior to
the war. Two of his brothers in the King's
Own Scottish Borderers were spared to meet
each other, and exchange congratulations on
winning through the great attack at Gallipoli
on July 12, 1915.
For many days there had been terrible con-
tests for Vimy Eidge.
Receive him. Earth, unto thine harbouring
shrine ;
In thy soft tranquil bosom let him rest;
These limbs of man I to thy care consign.
And trust the noble fragments to thy
breast.
This house was once the mansion of a soul
Brought into life by its Creator's breath;
Wisdom did onoe this living mass control;
And Christ was there enshrined, Who
conquers death.
Cover this body to thy care consign'd;
Its Maker shall not leave it in the grave;
But His own lineaments shall bear in mind.
And shall recall the image which He gave.
SAPPER JOHN BELL
(Beoughton)
Royal Engineers.
1916. June 1.
Sapper John Bell, son of John Bell, formerly
at Wrae, Broughton, later at Harehead, Duns,
was a ploughman at Caerdon, and soon after the
outbreak of war volunteered for service, enlisting
42
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
in the 1st Cameron Highlanders in Jxovember,
1914. He was transferred to the Eoyal
Engineers Tunnelling Company on 1st May,
1915, and met his death by mine explosion on
Thursday, 1st June, 1916. His brother also fell
in the War on September 30, 1915. The two
brothers were much esteemed — cheerful, active,
aud patriotic; they willingly gave themselves at
the call of duty. Their memory is cherished
both by their bereaved parents and the friends
who appreciated their devoted spirit.
Terrible and continuous struggles for Yimy
\^ ere yet taking place with great sacrifice of life.
" Greater love hath no man tlian this that >
man lay down his life for his friends."
" Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail,
Or knock the breast ; no weakness, no con-
tempt,
Dispraise or blame; nothing but well or fair.
And what may quiet us in a death so noble."
PRIVATE ROBERT PRESTON
(Manor, Innkeleithen)
12th Rotal Scots.
1916. June 7 (Wednesday).
He was the younger of two brothers who
fell in the war. He joined up in September,
1914. He was born at Pentland Mains iu
Midlothian, and was aged twenty-one years
when he fell. At the Battle of Loos he was
severely wounded on September 26, 1915, and
was invalided at home for four months.
Eobert Preston had been a shepherd at
JIanorhead. The family also had lived for
some time at Caerlee, Innerleithen.
The day before Eobert fell, the Battle of
Ypres had begun again. The Germans were
attacking fieixelj, and gained some ground at
Hooge. During all those days, and long be-
fore, the Frcncli were gallantly defending
Verdun against overwhelming hordes of Huns.
James Preston was to fall on April 24, 1918.
" Never since day broke flowerlike forth of
night
Broke suoh a dawn of baltlo. Deatli in
sight
Made of the man, whoso life was like lii<'.
BUU,
A imin more godlike than tlio lord of ligl'l-"
PRIVATE JOSHUA PRINGLE
(Inneeleithen)
Roy.AL Army Seevioe Coeps.
1916. Juke 13.
News of the illness of Private Joshua
Pringle arrived at Innerleithen, and a cable-
gram from the matron of the Military Hospi-
tal at Salonica, was received intimating that
Private Pringle had died of dysentery on
Tuesday night. June 13. Private Pringle en-
listed in the A.S.C. transport in 1915, and was
for several months iu France, but for the last
five months had been in Salonica.
Deceased was 21 years of age, and before the
war was employed by his father on the parcel
delivery lorry. He was the youngest son of
]\Ir George Pringle, contractor. Being of a
genial nature, he was well liked by ail he came
in contact with, aud before hostilities broke
out he was much sought after as an enter-
tainer.
On the 3rd of June the British and French
occupied all the public buildings in Salonica.
They that gave
Lives so brave
Have found a grave
In the haggard fields of No Man's Land,
By the foeman's reddened parapet,
They lie with never a headstone set,
But their dauntless souls march forward yet
In No Man's Land.
SAPPER ARCHIBALD INGLIS
(New Zealand and Walkeeduhn).
191G. July 24.
A letter was received from the Chaplain by
Miss Inglis, Dalziel's Buildings, Walkerburn,
stating that her brother. Sapper Archibald
Inglis, New Zealand Engineers, had been
killed in Action in France, having been shot in
tlic stomach. Archibald Inglis was married in
1908, but lost his wife iu the following year.
He left for New Zealand iu 1910.
On the outbreak of hostilities in August, 1914,
he enlisted at once at Timaru, in the New
Zealand l<jugiueers. lie was sent to Gallipoli,
and served there all the time until its evacua-
tion. There he was wounded in the head on
the lOtli September, 1915. On returning from
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
43
Gallipoli, Sapper Inglis was sent to France, in
April, 191G. He was mortally wounded on the
23rd July, 1916, and died in the Casualty Clear-
ing Station on the nest day (Monday), and was
buried at Bailleul. He was aged forty-one.
"While resident at Walkerburn he was a very
keen angler, and spent most of his leisure on
the river Tweed His two brothers fell later —
William on March 22, 1917, and Eobert on
September 18, i918.
" It is with feelings of the deepest regret and
sympathy that I have to inform you that Sapper
Archibald Inglis of this unit was mortally
wounded on the 23rd instant, and died next
day in hospital. He was a sterling man in the
company, and always carried out his work in
an excellent manner and with credit to himself.
His loss is deeply felt by the of&cers, N.C.O.'s,
and Sappers, with whom he has been associated
for some time. On behalf of one and all, I wish
to extend to yoa the deepest sympathy in your
sad bereavement."
The chaplain of the 8th Casualty Clearing
Station wrote to Mrs Peden as follows : — "Dear
Mrs Peden, I am the Presbyterian chaplain
here, and write to inform you of the sad death of
your brother, iSapper A. Inglis of the New
Zealanders. He was brought in here yesterday,
wounded in the abdomen. I happened to be out
at the time, but the other chaplain here saw
him, and offered prayer with him. When I saw
him this morning he was suffering a lot of pain.
I offered prayer with him, for which he seemed
very grateful. A short time after he died.
Everything possible was done for him, but it
was all of no avail. There was really no hope
from the beginning. I can assure you of my
deep sympathy with you in your loss. I was
greatly taken with your brother from the little
that I saw of him."
We think about You kneeling in the Garden—
Ah 1 God ! the agony of that dread Garden—
We know You prayed for us upon the Cross.
If anything could make us glad to bear it —
'Twould be the knowledge that You willed to
bear it —
Pain— death— the uttermost of human loss.
Though we forget You— You will not forget us—
We feel so sure that You will not forget us—
But stay with us until this dream is past.
And so we ask for courage, strength, and
pardon —
Especially, I think, we ask for pardon—
And that you will stand beside us to the last
PRIVATE WILLIAM WEIR
(Innerleithen)
RoTAL Scots.
1916. July 1.
William Scott Weir was born in 1880 at
Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, where his father
was schoolmaster. After attending the local
school, he proceeded to Watson's, where he
remained for five years. He was a keen foot-
baller, and played regularly for the School.
On leaving School, he was apprenticed with
Messrs Robertson & Dodds, S.S.C., at the same
time attending the Law Classes at the Univer-
sity. In 1803 he passed his final law examina-
tion. He then entered the firm of Messrs
Cuthbejt & Marchbank, S.S.C, and trans-
ferred in 1905 to Messrs Tods, Murray &
Jamieson, W.S., where he remained until he
enlisted. He was regarded as a good lawyer,
and one for whom a brilliant future was in
store. In November, 1914, he enlisted in the
Royal Scots, and proceeded overseas with his
unit m January, 1916, taking part in much
severe fighting. On Saturday, 1st July, at the
Battle of the Somme, he made the supreme
sacrifice.
On the 1st of July a great Franco-British
offensive began on a 25 mile front, north and
south of Somme. The British captured Mont-
aubon and Mametz, and broke through to-
wards Bapaume. The French attacked to-
wards Peronne, reached the outskirts of
Hardecourt and Curlu; they took Dompierre,
Becquincourt, Bussus, and Fay, along with
5000 prisoners.
" When I am dead, my dearest.
Sing no sad songs for me;
Plant thou no roses at my head,
Nor shady cypress tree ;
Be the green grass above me
With showers and dewdrops wet,
And if thou wilt, remember,
And if thou wilt, forget.
I shall not see the shadows,
I shall not feel the rain ;
I shall not hear the nightingale
Sing on, as if in pain;
And dreaming through the twilight
That doth not rise nor set.
Haply I may remember.
And haply may forget."
44
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
CORPORAL ANDREW R. WOOD
(Traquair)
Dtjeham Light Infantet.
1916. Jtot 1.
Killed in action on Saturday, the 1st July,
1916, Corporal Andrew E. Wood, aged 27
years, Durham Light Infantry, and formerly
of Roxburghshire and Sunderland Constabu-
laries, and son of William Wood, s;hepherd,
Howford, Innerleithen.
Corporal Andrew E. Wood, 913, Durham
Light Infantry, 18th Batt., 93rd Brigade,
joined H.M. Forces on 6th Sept., 1914, at Sun-
derland, where he was a member of the con-
stabulary, and was trained at Coughton
Haugh and Eipon. From there he proceeded
to Egypt, in Dec, 1915, when he narrowly
escaped being torpedoed, a French boat im-
mediat/ely preceding being the unfortunate
victim. His army life in Egypt was long
enoiigh to experience the discomforts of life
in the desert, but many of the wonders of
that land too were viewed and marvelled at
in and around the Eiver Nile, About March,
1916, he once more sailed the Mediterranean,
to be landed at Marseilles, from whence he
proceeded to the French front, and for the
first time came under shell fire. From then
on the battalion experienced many heavy
losses, and with only short rests at long inter-
vals, were always in the midst of the fight.
On 1st July, 1916, the men received the order
to get over the top, with the officer leading,
but as he mounted the parapet he was
wounded, as were also the N.C.O.s in their
turn. As each man received his wound the
one next succeeding him in rank took his
place, until six in all were laid side by side,
waiting the stretcher-bearers. But a shell
dropped beside them, and Corporal Wood was
one of those called on to make the supremo
sacrifice. He was then 27 years of age.
In one are all. We loved them ; we wei-e
strong
By virtue of their valour; and we knew
That It their voice were silenced in mid-
song
We must tal-o up the broken tune, sing
true,
March to Ihc load'H end, suffer and
pursue,
Howsoo'er the road were long.
PRIVATE JAMES T. AITKEN
(WALKEEBrEN)
2nd Eotal Scots Fusiliers.
1916. July 2 (SuND.^y).
Private James Thomas Aitken, 2nd Batt.
E.S.F., was reported missing at Somme, on
2nd July, 1916, and presumed killed on that
date. Aged 32 years. He was married, and
leaves a widow and two children (one boy and
one girl), who reside at Penicuik. His
parents reside at Hall Street, Walkerburn.
He enlisted from Walkerburn in December,
1914, and was wounded and home on leave in
November, 1915. He was employed with H.
Ballantyne & Sons, Tweedholm Mills, Walker-
burn, at the time of enlistment.
The battle was raging on the Somme front.
On this day the British captured Fricourt,
and on the following day Serre.
God of the golden days,
God of the sunlit ways,
God of the victor's bays.
Pray for me.
God of the laughing heart,
God of light loves that part,
God of the arrow's dart,
Pray for me.
God of tlie heart that sings,
God of the s\\allow's wings,
God of the "little things,"
Pray for me.
God of the darkening days,
God of the rain-drenched ways,
God of the victim's bays.
Pray for me.
God of the eyes that weep
And endless vigil keep,
God of tired hearts that skop.
Pray for me.
LCE.-CPL. GEORGE HUME
(Walkeeburn)
King's Own Scottish Bordebiies.
1916. Missing aftee Jult 12.
Mr Harry Humo, 66 Tweedside Cottages,
Walkorbiirn, received official intimation from
Ihe War Ollico of the death in action of his
Kon, I,ance-Corpo)'al George Hun\e, K.O.S.B.
lie was 32 years of age, and was an old Terri-
torial, rejoining at the outbreak of war, and
l*uiVATE William Weir,
Inxeeleitheit.
PfiiVATE James T. Aitken,
WALKERCrnN.
COEPOEAL AndEEW E. WoOD,
Tbaqtjaie.
Lance-Coepoeal George Hume,
Walkerbukn.
I.OK.-lJwKl'OHAL (1. Jjl^NN,
WALICKHBIUfN-.
SV.RCiEAXT :i).VVil) .iolINSTdX,
WAT.KIsRBUnX.
Lci?.-Coiu'oi!AL Thomai- 1!i im'i; \i\i,
WAi.Ki'-innjux.
Sl:HOKANT (ilajKOK liKHlKA.M,
MaNOII AM) TlIAyUAlU.
i'mv.vTE William Bare,
Skirling and West Linton,
I'lavA'i'E John A. Walker,
Pbivate To3i Wypee,
'^lk^^oll.
PiiivATE Alexander D. G. Laurie,
AtJSTi^ALiA a:5Jd Stobo.
PiiivArE John Hume,
Innerleithen
Lii-:rT. OscAK 1'rank Morditz,
Walkeuuukn
L:(r,ii'(.'iiAr, Jfsi'.i'ii W . 1;uiiajiu;>i).n,
rNNi',iir,i;riiiiA.
liCE/Oli. Mai.ciii.m iiii'iii i:
iNNHIIIiHITllUN'.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
46
left with his battalion in May, 1915, for Galli-
poli. He was reported missing after the
great charge of the K.O.S.B. on the 12th July,
1916. He was employed with Gibson & Lum-
gair at Selkirk. He was a very talented vocal-
ist, and his services were in much demand,
both in Selkirk and also in the place of his
nativity.
The long continued Battle of the Somme
was raging yet. On this day the British com-
pleted the capture of Mametz Wood.
Sleep soft, dead! sweet dreamless quiet
enfolding i
Let not our sorrow on yoxir slumber
break.
We shall keep vigil, still in honour holding
This land, made holier to us, for your
sake.
LCE.-CPL. C. LUNN
(Walkeebtirn)
12th Royal Scots.
1916. Friday, Jtjly 14.
Lance-Corporal G. Lunn was killed in ac+uion
in France at the Battle of the Somme on July
14, 1916. He was 28 years of age, and enlisted
very early in the war, and went to Franrie in
May, 1915. He was home on leave for a week
in February, 1916. He was a tuner in Tweed-
holm Mill, but for a few weeks thereafter he
was employed in the N.B. Station at Edinburgh.
His body was buried in Caterpillar Valley be-
tween Montauban and Longueval.
It was on July 14 that the British attacked
the German second line of defences between the
Somme and the Ancre. The British broke
through on a front of four miles. Four men
from Walkerburn and Traquair fell on the fatal
14th in this dreadful battle.
Whoever sinned in this, it was not he.
While warriors of the tongue defiled our name,
His was no casual service, nor shall be
A casual fame.
To-day let all philosophies be dumb,
And every ardour pause a moment thus,
To say of him, who back from deatli will come,
" He died for us."
Not lonely, and unnamed, battalioned deep
With you are gliostly multitudes, who tell
Nothing, nor claim. Together to your sleep
Pass, and farewell !
SERGEANT GEORGE BERTRAM
(Manob and Traquaib)
Royal Scots.
1916. July 14.
Mr and Mrs Bertram, who resided on the
estate of Hallyards, in the beautiful valley of
Manor, sent forth to the war five gallant sons —
Robert, William, John, Harry, and George;
also a son-in-law. Of this heroic band Sergeant
George Bertram was the first tO' give his life
for King and country. His employment was
that of his father, he being employed as a gar-
dener at the Glen at Traquair. He enlisted
shortly after the outbreak of war, and rose to
the rank of sergeant. He was killed in action
on Friday, the 14th July, 1916, aged 23, at
Longueval.
On that day the Britisih attack on the second
line of the German system of defences began at
dawn between the Somme and the Ancre. By
ten o'clock Sir Douglas Haig was able to send
the excellent news that our troops had broken
into the hostile positions on a front of four
miles, and had captured several strongly forti-
fied positions. The furious fighting continued
all day, as a result of which we steadily in-
creased our gains, and at night were in possies-
sion of the enemy's second position from
Bazentin-le-Petit village to Longueval and the
whole of Trones Wood. On the following day
we penetrated at one point into the enemy's
third line, and had also captured Delville
Wood. It was in this prolonged and furious
fighting that Sergeant George Bertram fell.
Sergeant-Major Robert Bertram, the eldest
son, of the 11th Battalion Argyll and Suther-
land Highlanders, was in June awarded the
Distinguished Conduct Medal for general brav-
ery in the field. Before that he was Ctolour-
Sergeant in Stirling Castle. He gained two
medals for the South African War, and also
obtained the Coronation Medal and Good Con-
duct awards. Of the other brothers, William
was in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
and wag the next of the gallant family t-o fall ;
he was then in the Black watch. John was in
the Royal Flying Corps; Harry was a Govern-
ment farrier at Bo'ne&s; and a son-in-law
(Smith) was in the Mechanical Transport of the
46
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
AiTny Service Corps. His brother William fell
on February 2, 1917.
For right he battled ; in our fight falling —
Finding ua force from ourselves to save —
Now stilled be tumult ; let reason hearken
To mercy's voice; nor old shadows darken
The light that breaks from yon nameless
grave —
Listen ! The Reveil of Peace is calling.
SERGEANT DAVID JOHNSTON
(Walkfbburn)
EoTAL Scots.
1916. July 14.
Died in Hospital on Friday, the 14th July,
1916, of wounds received in action. Sergeant
David Johnston, Eoyal Scots, eldest son of
William Johnston, Tweedside Cottages,
Walkerburn, and beloved husband of Annie
Maule, Victoria Buildings, Walkerburn.
Mrs Johnston received official notification
of the death of her husband, Sergeant David
Johnston, Eoyal Scots, from wounds, in the
General Hospital Boulogne. He was severely
wounded in the head on the 7th July. Prior
to the war he was a woolsorter in Tweedvale
Mills. He went to France with his regiment
in May, 1915, and was in all the engagements
in which his regiment took part until July
7th, 1916, when he was wounded in the Battle
of the Somme. He died in 13th General Hos-
pital, Boulogne, on July 14th, 1916.
On this day the British broke in upon the
German second line on a front of four miles,
from Bazentin-le-Petit to Longueval and all
Trones Wood.
Where honour leads we'll follow,
When duty bids we'll die;
Dear Britain, Mother Britain,
Our watchword and reply.
Dear Britain, Motlier Britain,
Whatever skies beneath.
Our glory and our gladness
To serve thee to the death.
The flag that floats above us
Sheltered our sires of old,
The prayers of those who love us
Are wrought in every fold ;
Where honour leads we'll follow,
Where duly bids we'll die.
Dear Britain, Mother Britain,
Our watchword and reply.
LCE.-CPL. THOMAS BERTRAM
(Walkebbcen)
13th Royal Scots.
1916. July 14.
For some months it had been reported that
Lance-Corporal Thomas Bertram, of the 12th
Battalion Royal Scots, was missing, but no
confirmation was to be had for a long time.
Finally it was notified officially that he had
fallen on Friday, the 14th July, 1916. He was
twenty-seven years of age, and was the son of
Mr and Mrs Bertram, East End, Walkerburn.
Previous to enlistment he was a woolsorter in
Tweedholm Mill. He was well known as an
enthusiastic Rugby football player, and was a
member of the Walkerburn Club. He was
likewise a keen and successful angler in the
fine stretches of the TAveed that flow past the
village. He was a grandson of the late
Thomas Bertram, who was for 45 years shep-
herd at Cairnmuir, West Linton. He joined
Kitchener's Army shortly after the outbreak
of war, and went to France early in 1915. He
was home on furlough not very long before
he was missing. He had a brother also in
France in the l/8th Royal Scots.
On the day that was to be fatal to him, the
British attack on the second line of the Ger-
man system of defences, between the Somme
and Ancre began at dawn. By ten o'clock Sir
Douglas Haig sent word that our troops had
broken into the enemy's position on a front of
four miles, and had captured several strongly
defended localities. The fighting continued
furiously the whole day, and as a result we
were at night in possession of the enemy's
second position from Bazentin-le-Petit village
to Longueval, and the whole of Trones Wood.
It was at Longueval, Somme, that Thomas
Bertram fell, another of the scores of Walker-
burn men who gave themselves that we might
live.
How many women in how many lands —
Almost I weep for them as for mine own —
That wait beside the desolate hearthstone.
Always before the embattled army stands
The horde of women like a phantom wall,
Barring the way with desperate, futile hand*,
The first charge tramplea them, the firei of all.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
47
PRIVATE WILLIAM BARR
(Skieling and West Linton)
AltOTLL & SUIHEELAND HiGHLANDEES.
1916. JuLT 1546 (Satubdat oe Sunday).
News came on the 22nd July, 1916, that one
of Skirling 's lads, William Barr by name, had
made the supreme sacrifice. He was killed
by shell fire in France doing his bit, fighting
for the cause of righteousness. Private Barr,
who was working in Lanarkshire previous to
enlisting, joined the Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders shortly before the outbreak of
war. His parents are comforted by the know-
ledge that he had faithfully done his duty
from the day he joined. He was buried where
he fell, in the little graveyard of a simple
mining village. " Greater love hath no man
than this, that a man lay down his life for
his friends," were the words read at his
burial service.
" It was my sad duty yesterday to officiate
at the burial of your son. Private William
Barr. He had been killed by the explosion
of a shell between Saturday night and Sun-
day morning. He was at work in the front
line. Things had been getting pretty hot,
and the sergeant had just suggested that
they had better get to their dugout when
the shell arrived and killed three outright,
wounding other two, of whom one has since
died. I cannot tell you with what feelings I
stood by the open graves. It is all too
awful; the sacrifice seems so great. But
there remains to us the joy of their service,
and the privilege of their death. When
you come to think of it it is a great privi-
lege and honour — "Greater love hath no man
than this " — they were the words of Christ.
I repeated them over your son's grave, and
~God has thought your boy worthy of some-
thing of the same sacrifice as Christ.
It is comforting also to know that he went
out in company with his friends. What a
joyous awakening it would be for all of
them. We prayed for you that when the
cloud descended, as we knew it must, that
He wordd be the Light in your darkness and
help you to understand what it all means.
We gave thanks that your boy had heard
and answered the Call of Duty in the hour
of the national danger, and prayed that it
would be counted unto him for righteous-
ness. He lies in a beautifully simple ceme-
tery, not far from where he fell. Some day
I shall be able to tell you where exactly it
is. But we have left him in God's care, in
Whose keeping he is safe."
" I have the honour of commanding the
company to which your brave boy belonged,
and please accept my deepest sympathy in
your great loss. Your son, from the day he
joined, did his duty like a man, and now he
has made the great sacrifice in this terrible
war for Right against Might. In this the
hour of your extreme sorrow, I sincerely
trust that you may be comforted by the
knowledge that your son was ever a good
and brave soldier, and a good comrade, and
that he bravely met his death facing his
country's enemies. It was men of the type
of your son who have made and upheld the
splendid name and reputation of this regi-
ment and otlier Highland and Scottish regi-
ments, and so his name has now been added
to the Roll of Honour. Assuring you of
the deepest sympathy of all ranks of this
Battalion, — I remain yours very sincerely,
— Geoegb Gunn, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Humbly, Scotland, we offer what is of
little worth.
Just our bodies and souls and everything
else we have;
But thou with thy holy cause wilt hallow
our common earth,
Giving us strength in the battle— and
peace, if need, in the grave.
PRIVATE TOM WYPER
(Manor)
8th Seafoeth Highlanders.
1916. JxiLT 19 (Wednesday).
Tom Wyper was one of those brave country
lads who enlisted at the very beginning of
the war, in August, 1914. He joined the 8th
Seaforth Highlanders. He was aged twenty-
three. One letter only was received from
him. In a letter received from the chaplain
it was stated that he was killed instantane-
ously by the explosion of a shell.
" The battalion has suffered severe casual-
ties during the past week through more than
usual bombardment of the trenches, and
among several who fell was your son. His
48
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
loss is more keenly felt because ot his long
association with the battalion, combined
with his fine soldier-like qualities. He was
among the bravest, and never flinched in
the face of danger. Alas, I never see a
young promising life like his cut short at
the threshold of its promise without think-
ing of the greater and more lasting sorrow
of those at home. May the remembrance of
the Christian Hope help to sustain you in
the dark hour. Our sympathy goes out to
you in your irreparable loss of such a gal-
lant son. There is so little one can say save
the bare facts."
Another son, Willie, was missing on April
10th, 1918. There was also another son who
enlisted in September, 1914. He was in
France and then in Salonika, and was in the
fighting from start to finish ; he had nothing
worse than a slight wound, and won through
in the end. Of Tom, them is no photograph
to be had.
Lord, if there come the end,
Let me find space and breath, all the
dearest I prize
Into Thy haud.s to commend;
Then let me go, with my boy's laughing
eyes.
Smiling a word to a friend.
PRIVATE JOHN A. WALKER
(Mange)
7th SeAFOUTH HlGHLANDEHS.
1916. July 20.
" I take the liberty of writing to you to
inform you (in case you have not yet re-
ceived official notice) of the death of youi'
son John, who was killed in the advance on
Thursday, the 20th July, 1916. He was
struck in the head by a piece of shrapnel,
and died in about three minutes, as we
were taking shells to the guns. He had no
suffering. I may say that all in the battery
bend you their sincerest sympathy in your
trouble, as ho was very much liked and re-
spected by all. He was equally well liked
by all the officers and men who were with
liim on the gun, and I can assure you that
your sad loss is ours as well, especially as
to myself, having wrought beside him in
Forth, and I learned to like him very much.
He fell doing his duty courageously, and all
the battery feel his loss very much."
John Walker volunteered on the 11th Sep-
tember, 1914, and was thus one of those gal-
lant lads who came forward at the very begin-
ning. He attained the age of fourteen years
only on the 24th September of that year. He
enlisted in the Scots Greys, and after a year's
training at Knavesmyre, York, he transfer-
red to the 7th Seaforth Highlanders at the
end of June, 1915. He arrived " somewhere
in France " on the 12th of August, 1915. He
went through the dreadful Battle of Loos, and
imniediately after that battle he said that he
knew what it was to go over the top and face
the Germans. '" Of course he never told ns
anything, and the censor never required to
obliterate a single word. He joined the
trench mortar battery in the beginning of
November, 1915, on which he served until he
was killed by the bursting of a shell, when
going forward to a new position at Longueval,
Delville Wood. The date was not very cer-
tain, as you will see by the letters from his
officer and comrades. We received a field
card written on tlie morning of his death, at
least, it was dated one ot these dates. He
never wrote a letter home but he put in that
he was in the best of health and spirits, and
he never made any complaints. George
Hardy, who wrote one of these letters died of
wounds in hospital in England, about the be-
ginning of November of the same year, 1916."
I may mention that his brother, Adam, volun-
teered into the Cameron Highlanders on the
5th December, 1914, and was discharged
through bad knees in February, 1915. Then
he volunteered for the Motor Transport, but
was not accepted. He volunteered next for
the Red Cross Motor Transport, and was with
it in Fi-ance until February. He gave up a
good situation with the late Lord Dewar, and
is now out of employment.
Oh happy! Generations have lived and died
And only dreamed such things as we have
.seen and known !
Splendour of uicn, death laughed at, death
defied.
Round I he great world on the winds is
their tale blown;
Whatever pass, these ever shall abide:
In memory's Valhalla, an imperishable
throne.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
49
PTE. ALEXANDER D. G. LAURIE
(ArSTEALlA AND StOBO)
30th Battalio.v, Australian Imperial Force.
191G. July 19-20.
He enlisted on the 5tli of August, 1915; he
landed in France in June, 1916. He was kill-
ed in action at Fleur-Baise, July 19-20, 1916
(Wednesday-Thursday). He was the third
and youngest son of Joseph E. Laurie of
Invergorden, New South Wales; grandson of
Alexander Laurie of Bonny Boon ; and great-
grandson of the original Joseph Laurie. He
was aged twenty-three. Thus briefly may be
expressed the short but gallant record of this
Australian lad's life history. He was one of
the one score and six patriotic descendants of
the patriarch, Joseph Laurie, who emi-
grated from Stcho in Tweeddale to Australia,
and became the head of a large and wealthy
clan. This was one of the six who gave his
life for the Empire.
Lord, if it be Thy will
That I enter the great shadowed valley
that lies
Silent just over the hill,
Grant they may say, " There's a comrade
that dies
Waving his hand to us still."
PRIVATE JOHN HUME
(Innerleithen)
Black Watch.
1916. July 22 (Saturday).
Private John Hume, an Innerleithen lad,
was reported as having died of wounds re-
ceived in the Big Push in France. Mrs
Walter Hume, his already bereaved mother,
received a telegram on July 21 from the Black
Watch Headquarters in Perth, stating that
her son, John, had been seriously wounded.
The intimation had been sent on from a clear-
ing hospital at the front in France. A fur-
ther telegram was received, intimating the
death of Private Hume, but no particulars
were given. Private John Hume, whose
brother, Eobert, of the 9th Royal Scots, was
killed less than a year previously, on the 3rd
of May, 1916, was a son of Piper Hume, Eoyal
Scots. He himself had been a playing mem-
ber in St Ronau's Silver Band, and was em-
ployed, previous to enlistment, in St Eonan's
Mills.
" Whom the gods loved they gave in youth's
first flower
One infinite hour of glory. That same hour.
Before a leaf droops from the laurel, come
Winged Death and Skep to bear the hero
home."
CPL. JOSEPH W. RICHARDSON
(Innerleithen)
Royal ScOTg.
1916. July 26 (Wednesdat).
Private Shaw, who belonged to Walker-
burn, ill writing to his friends there, reported
that Acting-Sergeant Joseph Richardson had
been killed by the bursting of a shell, which
buried him in the trench in which he had
been standing. Mrs Richardson later received
word from the chaplain, which confirmed the
sad intelligence. Corporal Richardson be-
longed to Innerleithen, and had been a mem-
ber of the Territorial Company. He rejoined
the Eoyal Scots on the outbreak of the war,
and went to France along with the local com-
pany. Later he was transferred to another
battalion of the Royal Scots. Going to France
in November, 1914, he took part in a number
of engagements, and was mentioned in
despatches for bringing in his commanding
officer, when wounded, to the Dressing
Station. He would be much missed by his
comrades, as he was of a very amiable disposi-
tion, and a general favourite with those who
knew him. His brother. Sapper E. W. Rich-
ardson, was fated to fall on March 30, 1918.
Corporal Richardson had been the companion
of Private Shaw since his transference. As a
civilian he worked as a yarn spinner in St
Eonan's Mill. He was married.
■■ I feel it my duty to write to you to ex-
press my deep sympathy with you in your
recent great loss. Your husband came out
with me when I biouglit the company out
well nigh two years ago now, and though
when he met his death he was with a sister
battalion, I know that he died as a gallant
soldier and man. In fact, I gather that he
gave his life in trying to save another. He
received Christian burial out in front of the
50
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
lines, one of our chaplains officiating. As
an N.C.O. he was of much assistance to me
in tlie management of the company, and I
.deeply regretted liis transfer to another
unit. All miss him, oIFicers and men alilve,
and unite in offering you their sympathy.
His death was instantaneous, so it may be
some consolation to you to know that his
end was painless."
Corporal J. Bichardson,
7th Division, 8th Royal Scots.
Your CO. and Brigade Commander have
informed me that you have distinguished
yourself by conspicuous bravery in the field
on 16th May, 1915. I have read their re-
ports, and have forwarded tliem to higher
authority for recognition. Promotion and
decorations cannot be given in every case,
but I should like you to know that your gal-
lant action is recognised, and how greatly
it is appreciated.
H. P. GOUGH,
;Major-Goneral, commanding 7th Div.
27th May, 1915.
France, 1st August, 1916.
" You will probably have heard already
that your husband. Corporal Richardson,
8th Royal Scots, was killed in the trenches
on July 26th. He was attached to the 9tli
R.S. when he was killed, and we have only
to-day learned definitely of his death. He
was buried near the place where he fell, by
our senior chaplain. Major Sinclair, and the
e.xact location of his grave will probably be
intimated to you by the War Office in due
course. I have only been chaplain to the
8th R.S. for four weeks, and did not have
the opportunity of raaldng your husband's
acquaintance. But I know from what I
hear of him, from liis officers and comrades,
what a good soldier he was, and how faith-
fully he did his duty. On my own behalf,
and on behalf of the whole battalion, I wish
to say how deeply we sympathise with you
in your bereavement. Your husband will
be sadly missed by all his comrades, but by
you most of all. We think of you and pray
that God may comfort you."
" Death stands above me, whispering low
I know not what into my ear;
Of his strange language all I know
Ifl, there is not a word of fear."
LIEUT. OSCAR FRANK MORITZ
(WALKEEBfEN)
Machine Gun Corps.
1916. July 27 (Thxjrsdat).
Second Lieutenant Moritz, the Machine Gun
Corps, was born on March 21st, 1885. He was
the fifth son of the late H. Moritz, Highgate,
London, and was educated at Sherborne. He
was called to the Bar (Middle Temple), but
forsook the law for farming at Elibank. He
joined the R.A.M.C. on the 5th September,
1914, at the very beginning of the war, and
soon obtained a commission in the Border
Regiment, translerring thence to the Machine
Gun Corps. He went to France in April, 191C,
and saw much fighting on Vimy Ridge. He
was reported wounded and missing after tiie
heavy fighting at Delville Wood on Thursday,
July 27th, 1916, when his section of the
Machine Gun Corps lost every officer, killed or
wounded. His body was recovered and buried
some seven weeks later by an old schoolfellow.
From the lath July there had been continuous
fierce fighting at Delville Wood, the British
had completed the capture of Ovillors, but on
the 18th the German counter attacks on Del-
ville Wood and Longueval had been partially
successful. On the 20th there was a British
success at High Wood, and by the 25th they
had completed the capture of Pozieres. On
July 27, the day on which Lieut. Moritz fell,
and the day following, tlie British completed
the capture of Delville Wood.
" Yet men have we, whom we revere, . . .
Whose lives, by many a battle-dint
Defaced, and grinding wheels on tlint,
Yield substance, though they sing not sweet
For song our highest heaven to greet . . .
Wherefore their soul in me or mine,
Through self-forgetfulness divine,
In them, that song aloft maintains."
LCE.-CPL. MALCOLM RIDDELL
(Innerleithen)
Royal Fusiliers
1916. Jui,Y 27.
Word was received by Mrs Riddell, Inner-
leithen, that lier son, Lance-Corporal L'iddoll,
of the Royal Fusiliers, was reported wounded
and missing on Thursday, the 27th of July,
1916, and must now be presumed dead. He
was born at Lcithen Lodge, and was aged 34.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
51
He left the town about the year 1900, and had
been employed as a gamekeeper in seveial
places. Latterly he was at Cnrnock House,
Larbert. He leaves a widow and iive chil-
dren. Two brothers were in the Eoyal Scots,
Cliarles and George, the former having been
wounded, b\it later, able to proceed to India.
Heavy fighting had been continuous from the
1st of July, on a 25 mile front north and south
of the Somme. The British had won ground
at Thiepval, and made two successful raids on
the Loos salient. There was much fighting at
Ovillers, and the British penetrated Troues
Wood. On the 12th July the British gained
Mametz Wood, and on the 14th captured
Longueval and Bazentin-le-Petit, and the
whole of Trones Wood, thus ending the first
phase of the Battle of the Somme. On the
15th they captured Delville Wood, and on the
ITtli they stormed and captured the German
second line positions. The struggle on Longue-
val and Delville Wood continued for the fol-
lowing days, and on the 22nd the British
attacked along the whole front from Pozieres
to Guillemont. On the 23rd July the second
phase of the battle began, and on the 26th the
whole of Pozieres village was in our hands,
and the British advanced towards Hill 160.
On the 27th we had fresh gains at Delville
Wood, and the fighting continued at Longue-
val. On the 28th the whole of Delville Wood
and Longueval were captured.
" Beyond our life how far
Soars his new life through radiant orb and
zone,
While we in impotency of the night
Walk dumbly, and the _path is hard, and
light
Fails, and for sun and moon the single star
Honour is left alone."
PRIVATE ALEXANDER SHAW
STEWART
(Walkiebuen)
Royal Scots Fusiliers.
1916. Sunday, July 30.
Mrs Stewart, Ballantyne's Buildings,
Yvalkerburn, received intimation that her son,
Alexander, had been missing since the 30th
of July, 1916. He enlisted in March, 1916,
and proceeded to France about the middle of
June. Previous to joining up he was employ-
ed in the pattern department of Tweedvale
Mills. He was aged twenty when he fell. On
the 29th July there had been hand to hand
struggles north and north-east of Pozieres
and High Wood. Two German attempts to
recapture Delville Wood failed. On Sunday,
the 30th, there was a combined Allied advance
3!orth of the Somme, from Delville Wood to
the river. The British made progress east of
Waterlot farm and Trones Wood. This was
the day when Private Stewart fell.
" Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and
royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears."
PRIVATE WILLIAM LAIDLAW
(Eddleston)
15th Eoyal Scots.
1916. -VUGUST 4.
Mr and Mrs John Laidlaw, School Brae,
Eddleston, received intimation from the War
Office that their only son. Private William
Laidlaw, Royal Scots, who was posted as miss-
ing on the 4th of August, 1916, had died on
that date (or since). Private Laidlaw (who
was 23 years of age on the date mentioned),
served his apprenticeship as an ironmonger
with Messrs Scott Brothers, High Street,
Peebles, afterwards going to Fort William,
where he enlisted a year after into the Eoyal
Scots. He was only six weeks in France when
he was posted as missing. Private Laidlaw
was a grandson of the late Mr John Laidlaw,
butcher, Peebles.
On the first four days of August there were
frequent attacks by the Germans north of
Bazentin-le-Petit, and on the High Wood the
German attack failed also. On the 2nd the
Gei'mans were again repulsed from Delville
Wood, and on the 3rd the British gained
ground west of Pozieres. On Friday, the 4th,
when Willie Laidlaw fell (his 23rd birthday),
the British gained the German second line
system on a front of 200 yards north of
Pozieres, and several hundred prisoners. And
52
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
on tlie Gtli of August the British made pro-
gress towards ^lartinpuich.
'' Light -Has my soal and my feet urged me on,
On through the gray that cloaked the dis-
tant flame;
And all was brilliant with that blazing light
Which dazzled me and filled my eyes with
red.
Till I was blinded and fell fainting down.
Then cleared the clouds, and there was no
more mist."
PRIVATE DAVID H. WELSH
(Newlands and Kikkued)
8th Royal Scots.
1916. AfGTJST 14.
Died at Leicester Read Hospital, Man-
chester, on Monday the 14th August, of
wounds received ou the 1st of August, 1916,
['rivate David Henderson Welsh, of tlie Royal
Scots, aged 22 years, eldest son of James
Welsh, Blyth Bridge, Dolphinton.
He was another of those gallant lads who
have made the supreiue sacrifice on behalf of
truth and righteousness. He was one of the
Territorials before the outbreak of war. He
'.vent out to France with his battalion in the
early days of the struggle (mobilised Aug. 1-1,
1914), and had thus been nearly 2 years in
the trenches, where he was a great favourite
on account of his bright cheery and obliging
disposition. He was wounded on the 1st of
August, and after treatment was brought over
to this country and taken to Leicester Road
Hospital, where, notuithstanding the unre-
laitting care of i!ie doctors and nurses, he
passed away. He was a joiner to trade, and
served his apprenticeship with the late Mr
Ihomas Grieve. He was 22 years of age, and
was a quiet steady lad. The esteem and re-
spect in which he was held was manifested at
the large attendance at his- funeral, which
took place from the house of his parents to
Newlands Churchyard. A party of Royal
Scots was present at the grave, where also a
1 ugler sounded the Last Post.
Private David IL Welsh vras an original
l/8th lioyal Scot, having joined the Terri-
tcrial Force in the spring of 1914 On mohil-
iaation liis b<itta)ion wont to Haddington, and
proceeded to France early in November. Only
those early campaigners themselves know the
great hardships of maid and weather of the
first winter in France, but David Welsh never
complained. He was home on leave in Decem-
ber, 1915, and despite all the hardships en-
dured, and the loss of many a comrade, he
was eager to be back again with his chums.
He saw much heavy fighting again in the fol-
lowing year, and at the beginning of August,
when the 8tli B.S., being on their pioneer
work to the Slst Division, were very heavily
slielled, and lost many brave fighters, he re-
ceived sore wounds from which he died in
hospital in Manchester on the 14th of that
month. His comrades tell that his native
cheeifulness never left him, and when they
laid him on a stretcher and bore him from
the field, he smiled and belittled his wounds.
One of the cheeriest lads that fought in
France, he rose, and wrote, above the most
depressing conditions. The features of his
letters were brigJituess and intimate descrip-
tions of the country, conditions and customs.
He dearly loved the hills of Peeblesshire, and
several times in letters to his minister he
spoke of seeing, wherever he went, nothing to
compare to his native glens. And he lies m
the glen at Newlands— a cheery soul— open,
kindly, brave and true. He was the elder son
of ]Mr James Welsh, Blyth Bridge, and was a
joiner with Mr Grieve there before the war.
PEO PATEIA MOETUI.
D.^VID H. WELSH AND WILLIAM CHALMERS.
In Kirkurd U.F. Church on Sunday, August
20, 1916, the Rev. D. C. Wiseman, M.A., after
preaching on " The Saving Power of Hope,"
fro7ii Romans vii., 24, said: — "I have been
led to preach on hope to-day, because that I
have been led to believe with Job of old, that
' there is hope of a tree if it be cut down that
it will sprout again, and that the tender
branch thereof will not cease,' because I be-
lieve our Lord, when in the house of mourn-
ing for a young girl dead, I hear him .say—
' The damsel is not dead but sleepeth.' There
is hope for one cut down if he believe in
Christ that he will rise again. For Christ
liath abolished death. For it, to those that
believe in Him, He hath given a sleep, and
iiirough that sleep of death He hath led the
•way into newness of life. ' .\s Jesus Christ
(lied and rose again, even so them also which
sleep in Jesus will Ood bring with Him.' Men
may live for Jesus, or they may die for Him,
Private Alexander Stfaw Stewart,
WALKERllxmN.
I'rivate David JI. Welsh,
Newlands and Ktrkurd.
Private William Laidlaw,
Eddlbston.
Private John ftfACDONALD,
Peebles.
SvB-LiETJT. Alexander D. Gibson Tarmichael,
Skirling and Kirkued.
ThIVATE .Taj[ES liKNNIE.
Innerleithen.
I'llIVATK ('iiAIILKH M ' 1 . \( II I. A >
iNNKiiijirniiiN.
I'llIVATK John lilTCHlE,
Walkekbhrn.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
53
or they may do both. This last is out ideal.
They that do so are the saints and martyrs.
They share His throne. Some to-day are dying
well that, measured by the common moral
standards, did not live well. 'Tis not ours to
know how it shall "be witli them; we are not
told, and we may not judge. Colonel .Tohn
Hay gives the type in his roiigh " Jim
Bludso," and his judgment does seem fair —
He seen his duty, a dead-sure thing,
And went for it there and then ;
And Christ aint a-going to be too hard
On a man that died for men.
We do not know. At best that is only nega-
tive. Here is something positive; we do know
how it will be with those that lived in the
faith of Christ, and died in the work of God.
They, waking from the sleep of death, shall
hear their Captain say — 'Well done, good and
faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of
thy Lord.' We believe it to be so with him
we mourn to-day. The first member of our
congregation here, slain on our behalf, David
H. Welsh sleeps in his native parish after
nearly two years of warfare in the blood-
.■^oaked fields of France. His country needed
him, and with his comrades, he went willing-
ly. He bore the terrible hardships uncom-
plainingly. He was a cheery companion and
true. He fought bravely; and, wounded sore
in chest and back, after a fortnight's cheerful
endurance of mortal pain, he died gloriously.
We honour his name. Folk in these parts
shall ever revere his memory. He is listed
with those who died to save the world from
the shame and sorrow of the Prussian yoke.
We in this church specially own him. Few
young men attended more regularly than he.
Indeed, he was. always in his place in the
well-filled family pew. Professing his faith
in Christ in May, three years ago — those quiet
days that seem so far away — he took his seat
at the Table of the Lord, and we are confi-
dent that wherever the Master's cause needed
support in the two past years of enduranca
and endeavour, he was alivays quietly on his
Master's side.>; Many wreaths were laid ou
his bier on Thursday. To his memory we lay
this tribute down. It is fitting too that we
should mention here, not another member but
a member's son. Just such another as Dave
Welsh was Willie Chalmers. His parents
Icsing touch with him last year in Gallipoli,
in July, after many anxious months, when
hope a thousand times did bloom and fade,
have recently been told that they must count
him dead. He sleeps, there seems no doubt,
in an unknown grave, far from home. But
he has been rewarded by the same Master, he
has heard the same ' Well done.' We honour
his name too. A quiet, bright, most lovable
lad, most of lis knew him but slightly, but
those who kiievf him best know that he was of
that illustrioiis company who both lived well
and nobly died. There is hope for such as
these — cut down — that they shall sprout again.
The tender branch of their life has not
ceased. The lads are not dead, but sleep until
He como again whom they served and fol-
lowed, and receive them unto Himself that
where He is there they may be also. Our sin-
cere sympathy goes out to his parents and
their family. We believe that they too have
their reward. God is on their side."
To the God in man displayed —
Where'er we see that birth,
Be love and understanding paid
As never yet on earth.
To the Spirit that moves in man,
On Whom all worlds depend,
Be glory since our world began
And service to the end.
PRIVATE JOHN MACDONALD
(Peebles)
2nd Eotal Scots.
1916. August 18.
Private John Macdonald, 2nd Eoyal Scots,
joined up at Hamilton in 1816. He went to
France shortly thereafter, and was there only
for six weeks when he was killed at Guille-
mont, near Albert, on the 18th August, 1916.
Before enlistment John Macdonald was em-
ployed as a chauffeur with Sir Duncan Hay at
Peebles. In fact he had been connected with
that family since he was seventeen years of
age. His age was twenty-seven when he fell.
He was the eldest son of the late Alexander
I\Iacdouald, who was for upwards of thirty
years engine fireman at Inverness, who died
just three months before his son John.
On Friday, the 18th, when Macdonald fell,
the British were attacking along a front of
54
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
eleven miles between Tliiepval and Giiille-
mont, when lliey cnptiirecl important posi-
tions.
" Tliey won the greater battle, when each soul
Lay naked to tlie needless wreck of Mars ;
Yet, splendid in perfection, faced the goal
Beyond the sweeping army of the stars."'
SUB.-LIEUT. ALEXANDER D.
GIBSON CARMICHAEL
(Skieling and Kiektihd)
H.M.S. Princess Royal, also Subjiarikes.
1916. Friday, August 18.
Sub-Lieutenant Alexander David Gibson
Carmichael, R.N., killed in a submarine, was
the nephew of Lord Carmichael, Governor of
Bengal, and formerly M.P. for Midlothian.
He was born on February 10, 1894, the only
son of Mr John Murray Gibson-Carmichael,
Blairgowrie, Fleet, Hampshire, younger sur-
viving son of the late Eev. Sir William Gib-
son Carmichael, tenth Baronet, and heir pre-
sumptive to the baronetcy, as his brother,
Lord Carmichael, has no issue. The
heir to tins baronetcy, created 1702, is now
Sir Henry Gibson-Craig, fifth Baronet of Ric-
carton. Though born in North Berwick, he
spent much of his boyliood at Kirkurd, after
the early death of his mother. There are
many who recall the bright-faced spirited boy,
who, after the example of one of his grand-
uncles, chose as his profession the Royal
Navy, in which he attained the rank of Sub-
Lieutenant on board H.M.S. Princess Royal.
Like many another promising young man he
has yielded up his life in a noble cause, and
his name has been added to tlie nation's im-
perishable Roll of Honour.
Alexander David Gibson Carmichael was
born at North Berwick on the 10th of Feb-
ruary, 1895. His father was John Murray,
son of Sir William Carmichael of Castle Craig
and Skirling, in the County of Peeblesshire.
His mother was Amy, daughter of Frodericl.
Archdale, ot Baldock, Herts. At the age of
two, Sandy, as he came to be known by all
bis friends, went willi his mother to Iowa, in
.America, to join his father, who had at that time
settled there. In 1899, when his mother died,
Sandy and his two sisters camo back to thi-^
country, and spent the early years of their
lives first at Castle Craig, and I.tIit on al
i\Ialleny, in Midlothian, with tlieir uncle and
aunt. It was when lie was about five that he
made up his mind to go into the Navy, and
from that time he never swerved from his in-
tention. Even then he was an intelligent and
companionable little fellow, very warm-heart-
ed and affectionate, with unusual individual-
ity of character, a great appreciation of fun,
and a slow and humorous way of answering
questions generally very much to the point.
He was a sturdy boy with blue ej'es that
looked steadily at you, and very rosy cheeks.
He went to school early ; when he was 7^
his headmaster, Mr Thomas, writes : — " A. D.
Gibson Cariuichael came to Cargilfield in
Sept., 1903, and left (for Osborne) in Dec,
1907." As a small boy he had even more than
the average distaste for lessons, and his early
relations with his masters may be gathered
from his reply (in his first holidays) to the
fxuestion— "Which do you like better, Mr A or
Mr B ?" " Two of A's are worse than three
of B's!" But the "two's" and "three's," or
their nudtiples, had the desired effect, and
Sandy's ability and increasing industry ulti-
mately landed him in the top form in four
subjects out of five, and secured his naval
cadetship. The Osborne age limit in 1907 was
lower than it is now, and he left school be-
fore he was 13, too young to have won a place
in the XI. or XV. He was a cheery, popular
boy, generally to the fore in any "rag," tak-
ing the rough with the smooth with the same
nonchalance. But he left Cargilfield with a
clean and honourable record, and the school
is sadly proud to number him among its 124
who made the great sacrifice.
He passed his examination into the Navy
easily, and if anything rather enjoyed it. He
was very happy at Osborne and Dartmoutli,
where he found his work more interesting
than at school. " There is some meaning in
the mathematics now," he said. They meant
something connected Avith the ships in which
ho w'as so much interested. He loved the
workshops and the practical part of his work,
especially the engineering. He had the repu-
tation of taking his work easily, and of not
exerting himself to the full. The fact was he
was slow of growing and developing, and
found it hard (a put forth his full powers.
He loft Dartmouth in 1912, and joined the
■ Exuiouth " for his trial trip as n midship-
iiiOTi ill September, 1912. Tie was appointed
to tlio " Piincess Royal " on the 14th Novom-
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
55
ber, 1912, to liis great delight. He was very
proud of lier, and called her the " Triton
among the iSIiuno\rs." Sandy was on the
"Princess Eoyal" at the Battle of Heligoland
and at the Battle of the Dogger Bant. At
the latter he was made Acting Sub-Lieutenant
and put in charge of a gun. Captain Brock,
who commanded the " Princess Eoyal," and
who, owing to her behaviour in this battle,
was promoted to Eear Admiral, writes of
Sandy : —
" Alexander Gibson Carmichael served as
a Midshipman and Acting Sub-Lieutenant
under my command in the 'Princess Eoyal'
for upwards of 2J years, including the first
year of the war He was present at the
action of Heligoland Bight on May 29th,
1914, and Dogger Bank on January 21st,
1915. He was an officer of great promise,
with every prospect of rising in his profes-
sion. He entered the Submarine Service
with my full concurrence, and with the
hope that it would give him further oppor-
tunities of meeting the enemy and distin-
guishing himself. In this he was not dis-
appointed, and though I deplore his loss
personally and to the service, I can but feel
that he died as every British sailor would
wish to die— in face of the enemy."
During those 2^- years Sandy saw much and
developed greatly. He grew into a big fine
fellow over six feet, with a wide and interest-
ing outlook on the world. He was still only
20, but was wonderfully capable for his age,
and though very modest of his achievements,
seemed head and shoulders better than most
boys of his age in capability and experience,
and yet so gentle and considerate for others.
When Captain Brock was promoted, most of
the young officers who had served under him
were dispersed to other ships. Sandy was ap-
pointed on the 13th of June, 1915, to the
" Africa,'' an old fashioned ship, much less
interesting than the " Princess Royal,'" but
he had set his heart on going in for submar-
ines, and he persuaded his superiors to allow
liim to go up for the necessary examination.
He was unusually young for this and junior
to the other officers who went up at the same
time, but he came out second in the examina-
tion. He was appointed to Submarine C24 on
3rd November, 1915, with the " Vulcan " as
his parent ship. He was not long in 024. He
wrote to his aunt in December, 1915 — " I have
had the best Xmas present I have ever had in
my life, I hav« been appointed to Submarine
E16."
The parent ship of E16 was the " Maid-
ston," and her base was Harwich. Sandy
joined E16 on January loth, 1916. She was
commanded by Lt.-Commander Dufl' Dunbar,
a brilliant young officer, who had served with
Sandy and had been a great friend of his on
the " Princess Royal," and who asked that
Sandy should serve under him in E16.
Admiral Brock writes of Lt.-Commander Dufi
Dunbar, D.S.O. — " He was on the " Princess
Royal" with me for 2 years, and one of the
best officers I ever met, such a very nice
chap." The third officer in the submarine
was Sub-Lieut. M. G. Cameron, E.N.R.
E16 had already done good service iir the
IMediterranean, and had there di-stuiguished her-
self. Her record is well known, and Sandy was
full of hope at joining a vessel with such repu-
tation. He was very happy during those few
months in E16. Alas ! that they were to be so
few. In the last letter which was received from
Sandy before they were called out on their last
and fatal cruise he enclosed a little photograph
of himself and the two other officers taken on
the conning tower of E16. They look full of
fun and expectation, as :f they were starting off
on some great adventure, as indeed they were
— the last great adventure.
We have very little record of what actually
happened, but we know that the end came as
they would have wished it to come — in action
before the foe, attacking a force infinitely
greater and more powerful than themselves.
The following is the official despatch to the
Admiidlty written by Captaui Bower, himself
an officer in the same Elotilla : — " Submarines
E58 and E16 left Harwich at 12.30 p.m. on the
18th August, 1916, to cruise for two days to the
North of Heligoland. E38 in the vicinity of
Lat. 54° 25'N, Long. 7° 42'E, and E16 in Lat.
54° 17'N, Long. 7° 42'E. E38 reports that E16
being the faster boat was in sight about seven
miles ahead at 7 p.m. on the 18th. At 4.20 on
The 19th when in Lat. 53° 49'N, Long. 4° 49'E,
five columns of smoke and the funnel tops of
one cruiser were observed to the N.N.E., ap-
parently proceeding fast to the S.W. E38 pro-
ceeded west, but was unable to bring the hull
above the horizon. At 5 a.m. a Zeppelin was
seen to the northward steering W. At 6.15
E38 came to the surface and proceeded. At 7
p.m. in Lat. 53° 53'N, Long. 4° 50'E the smoke
56
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
of five cruisers was seen to the westward, ap-
parently steering northerly. Two large splashes
were seen close to the smoke of one ship.
Course was altered to cut them off, but at 8.7
a.m. they were out of sight to the westward,
and E38 resumed her course."
Tlie above is an extract from the despatch
informing their Lordships that H.M.S. /M.E.16
liad not returned from her patrol. The infer-
ence is that the splashes seen by E38 were con-
nected with an action between E16 and the
enemy. That is all the official data we have,
but I liave met two German officers who re-
membered that — " At about the time the
' Westfalen ' was tori^edoed our cruisers saw a
periscope off our swept channel. They fired at
it and sank the boat." " A periscope was seen
that day attacking the ' jMoltke ' ; we were fir-
ing at it when there was an e.xplosion. . . ."
Of course firing at a periscope will not damage
a submarine. I think it possible that E16 sti'uck
a mine during her attack while under gunfire,
but the stories of the German officers are vague
and the evidence of E38's despatch inconclu-
sive. I am sure that E16 did not break surface
in an attack and expose herself to gunfire ; her
captain and crew were too good for sucli a
thing to happen. I met (in E42) E16 outward
bound off Harwich. We exchanged signals,
and I noted she was going at high speed. She
was the fastest boat in the flotilla, and was
probably well ahead of E38 on the morning of
the 19th. If she did meet the enemy cruisers
she would get home in her attack unless a mine
or such an " act of God " stopped her. Duff
Dunbar and Carmichael had got that boat to a
state of efficiency which was acknowledged to
be the state aimed at in our flotilla.
We are proud to know by these %\ords) the
esteem in which the officers of E16 were held
by those in the same flotilla as themselves. All
Sandy's letters and those from personal friends
of his were lost— torpedoed, but the following
ia one from a friend older than himself, not in
the Service, but on© who saw a great deal of
liim when on leave, and of whom he was very
fond : —
De,\r Lady Carmichael, — I am glad that
some record is to be made of Sandy Car-
micJiac'l's life. T knew him from his early
childliood till iie.ir the end. lie often stayed
with my sistci' .ind myself, first in his school
holidays and lati.i- during his leave. Al-
though we aro old and Sandy was but u boy,
tiie waimost and nwat affectiomite friendship
■existed between us owing to his unfailing
sympathy and consideration for the feelings
of all those with whom he came in contact.
His transparent honesty of character, his dir-
ectness of purpose, and his obvious deter-
mination to do what he considered right were
combined with singular personal charm and
a great sense of fun. All our friends who
met him liked and admired him, and our
household were devoted to him. Servants
seemed to vie with each other to do him some
service, and this was hardly to be wondered
at when one recalls his pleasant greeting and
sunny smile. We shall ever think of Sandy
as a beloved friend, a boy of high ideals, and
a sailor who in his life ajid by his death
maintained the best traditions of the Service.
— Yours very sincerely,
CouRTAxiLD Thomson.
There was something about Sandy which
struck those who knew him even slightly. He
liad a strong personality which one was not
likely to forget, but he also had a deep reserved
nature, and those who knew him well realised
the steadfast faith which gave him a calm yet
strong outlook on life rarely met with in one so
young, and one which will live in the hearts of
those who loved him.
" And we will hew the holy boughs,
To malie us level rows of oars.
And we will set our sinning prows
For strange and unadventured shores.
Where the great tideways swiftliest run.
We will be stronger than the strong,
And sack the cities of the sun.
And spend our booty in a song."
PRIVATE CHARLES M'LACHLAN
(Innerleithen)
Royal Scots.
1916. August 19.
A St Ronan's lad made tlio supreme sacrifice
for King and country in the person of Private
Charles M'Lachlan, who, as stated in a letter
fiom one of the chajilains to his mother, was
killed in action on Saturday, the 19th August,
1916, aged 35. Charlie, as he was generally
known, joined the Royal Scots shortly after war
broke out, and alter training in England pro-
ceeded to Franco in May, 1916. He received a,
.short furlough at the beginning of the year,
and about a month after returning to France
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
57
was slightly wounded, but not seriously enough
to require being sent home.
Before the outbreak of war he took a promin-
ent part in the affairs of the Vale of Leithen
Football Club, and for some time played the
game. He was also a keen cricketer, being a
member of the Innerleithen Cricket Club. He
was very popular on the sports field, and being
of a quiet, amiable disposition, was well liked
by his comrades. Previous to joining the col-
our's he was employed in the machiiie room of
Tweedholm ilill. AValkerburn.
" Shall we then mourn for the dead unduly,
and forget
The resurrection in the hearts of men ?
Even the poppy on the parapet
Shall blossom as before when summer blows
again."
PRIVATE JAMES LENNIE
(iNXOiRLEtTHF.N'l
August, 1916.
He was originally an apprentice joiner
with Adam Watt at Innerleithen. Having
enlisted in the Cameron Highlanders, he
fought throughout the Boer War, and came
through all light. He continued for some
time in South Africa, and, later, departed
for Sydney, New South Wales. When the
Great War broke out James Lennie enlisted
there, and came over along witli the Austral-
ians. Never before in our history had such
an army been gathered, and never again
would such an army be seen, as strained at
the leash, behind tliat twenty-fivo mile front
on the thirtieth of June, 191G. True; we
launched greater armies and won greater
victories in the two years tihat followed, but
the very flower of a race can bloom but once
in a generation. The flower of our race
bloomed and perished during the four months
of the first battle of the Somme. We shall
not look upon their like again. It is to be
doubted if any generation will— or any race."
He fell in the month of August, 1916.
Unknown to us, but known to God,
Your spirit lives among the saints.
Your heart lies 'neath the sod —
Nobly daring, cruelly faring.
The "via dolorosa" trod —
Your soul was one that never faints :
And but for yon and such as you
Our doom were Ichabod (Thy glory hfis
departed).
PRIVATE JOHN RITCHIE
(Walkebburn)
1916. September 1.
John Ritchie enlisted in November 1914,
and was therefore one of the heroes in what
the German Emperor called, "General
Frenchs contemptible little army.'' Since
the date of the heroic retreat from Mons in
the beginning of the war, it has been con-
sidered a great honour to have been one of
the "Contemptibles,"' and a special star was
granted to all those who served in those
early days. In the month of May 1915, he
left Portobello after training, tor the Dar-
danelles, but was sent to France instead.
He fell in one of the battles in the Somme
campaign, on the 1st September, a Friday,
1916. The Germans were making an attack
on High Wood but were repulsed by the
British; in this engagement John Eitchie
fell. "Across the ribbon of the Dardanelles,
on the green plain of ^y, the most famous
of the wars of the ancient world had been
fought. The European shores had now be-
come a no less classic ground of arms. If
the banks of Scamander had seen men strive
desperately with fate, so had the slopes of
Achi Babi and the loud beaches of Helles.
Had the fashion endured of linking the strife
of mankind with the gods, what strange
myth would not have sprung from the rescue
of British troops in the teeth of winter gales
and uncertain seas. It would have been
rumoured, as at Troy, that Posidon had done
battle for his children."
They have no place in storied page,
No rest in marble shrine :
They are paist and gone with their bygone
age;
They died, and made no sign.
But work that shall find its wages yet.
And deeds that their world shall not forget.
Done for the Love Divine —
These were their triumphs, and these shall
be
The crowns of their immortality.
PRIVATE WILLIAM TENNENT
(Innerleithen)
King's Own Scottish Borderers.
1916. Septeheer 3.
Information was received liy Mrs Tonnent
that her son, William, had fallen. He en-
listed six months previously and very soon
58
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
thereafter proceeded to France. For some
time before tlien ihe liad worked in Iieithen
Mills, but after the enlistment of his brother,
William took up the milk business and drove
the Innerleithen van. He was aged only
nineteen when he fell. On the Somme front
there was continued severe fighting; foxir
German attacks on High Wood, however,
failed. On Sunday, the 3rd, when William
Tenuent fell, the British captured Ginchy
and all Guillemont along with many prison-
ei-s. The Frencli at the same time captured
many villages.
"Forgotten grave." This selfish plea
Awakes no deep response in me.
For though his grave I may not see.
My boy will ne'er forgotten be.
My real son can never die ;
'Tis but his body that may lie
In foreign (land, and I shall keep
Kemembrance fond, forever deep.
Within my heart, of my true son.
Because of triumphs that he won.
It matters not where anyone
May lie and sleep when work is done.
PRIVATE ARTHUR BIGGAR
Royal Scots.
(Walkeebuen)
1916. Septembee 15.
Mr A. W. Biggar, Bold Cottages, Walker-
burn, received word, from one of his com-
rades, that his son, Private Arthur Biggar,
Eoyal Scots, had been killed in action. Pte.
Biggar, who was 19 years of age, joined the
Innerleitlien Company of the Royal Scots a
few months jjrevious to the outbreak of war,
and was mobilised in August 1914. He pro-
ceeded to France with the battalion in Nov-
ember 1914, but, not being in a good state
of health at the time, was invalided homo
in three weeks. Owing to his ago he was
not allowed to join the battalion in France
again, but was attached to another battalion
of the Royal Scots, with which he trained
for eighteen months, and only proceeded to
France for tlie second time with a draft a,
iiionili liefore he fell. \t tlio ()ufl)roak of
war he was omployeiJ <iii Bdld farm. V[iN
fildor brother is Driver R. R. Biggar, R.G.A.
A grcnt British advance l)6gnii on this day,
the third phase of the battle of the Somme.
The front extended to six miles, -ttdth a
depth of 2000 to 3000 yards. Flers, Martin-
puich, Courcellette and the whole of High
W'ood were taken by the British. The new
heavy armoured cars (tanks) were used now
for the first time.
Lord, hast Thou gone away.!"
Once more through all the worlds Thy touch
I seek.
Lord, how can he be dead?
For he stood here just this day
With the live blood in his cheek.
And the live light in his head ;
Lord, how can he be dead?
Dost Thou remember, Lord, the hearts that
prayed
As down the shouting village street they
swung,
The beautiful fighting-men? Tlie sunlight
flung
His keen young face up like an unfleshed
blade ;
O' God, so young.
CPL. ANDREW AMOS DOVE
(Deumelzieb and Canada)
Canadian Light Ineantey.
1916. Septembee 17.
Corporal Andrew Amo« Dove, Princess
Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, a grand-
son of the late Andrew Amos, blacksmith,
Drumelzier, joined up in August 1914, and
came across with the 1st Canadian Contin-
gent in October and went to France in Dec-
ember, going into action on January 6th,
1915. He took part in the fighting around
Yprcs at St Eloi. In March he was invalid-
ed homo suffering from frozen feet; on re-
joining his regiment ho was in action at
.Vnnentiers, Frise and llooge. It was in tho
battle of the Sommc on 17th September, 1916,
when coming out of the trenches for a much
needed rest that a piece of tho enemy's shell iu-
slantanoously cut off a life so full of promise
.it Uu> ago of 29. A non-com. (ifficer and
"masonic lirolher," who associated with him
from the lime llu<y joined up in Winnipeg,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
59
writes that wbeu in tlie trenches with him
he had the opportunity of seeing- his good
qualities, as a soldier they were jiut to the
test many a time ; but he proved himself to
be a good and brave soldier, ever ready at
duty's call to do the work required of him,
and ever ready to help a fellow-soldier in
distress ; and although of a very kind dis-
position, his kind thoughtful ways made him
many friends. He was employed as an en-
gineer in the Canadian Pacific Eailway's
workshops when war broke out. A native of
Coatbridge, he served his apprenticeship in
Murray and Paterson's there. But Peebles-
shire, his mother's county, and the Tweed
were ever dear to him.
Courage came to you with your boyhood's
grace
Of ardent life and limb.
Each day new dangers steeled you to the test
To ride, to climb, to swim.
Your hot blood taught you carelessness of
death
With every breath.
So vrhen you went to play another game,
You could not be but brave;
An Empire's team, a rougher football field,
the end — Perhaps your grave.
What matter .P On the winning of a goal
You staked your soul.
A brother fallen on the field-
That valiant soldier, strong and true,
Who iliid behind his dazzling shield
A heart his comrades only knew.
Farewell, kind heart ! thy battle's o'er,
Thy spirit gone to Him who gave ;
'Mongst honours paid thee many more.
We lay a song upon thy grave.
PRIVATE ROBERT ^ylELROSE
Military Medal.
(Manor)
Scots Guards.
1916. September 20.
Died of wounds in France on Wednesday,
the 20th September, Private Robert Melrose,
Scots Guards, aged 23, dearly loved fifth son
of Mr and Mrs William Melrose, Corriefeck-
loch, Newton-Stewart, lute of Peeblesshire.
For many years the family was located in
the parish of Manor, at Glenrath, Posso, and
Hundleshope. Young Melrose was a butcher
to trade, serving his apprenticeship with the
Peebles Co-operative Societjr. Finishing his
apprenticeship in Peebles he found employ-
ment at his trade in Gorebridge, where his
death has been much regretted. He was
working in Gorebridge when war broke out,
and promptly answering his country's call
he joined the ranks of the Scots Guards on
the 9th September, 1911. After undergoing
the usual military training he went to
France in February 1915. Thereafter lie
passed through much hard fighting, but
escaped unhurt until March 1916, when he
was admitted to hospital suffering from a
wound in the right shoulder. He was highly
recommended at this time for the Distin-
guished Conduct Medal for ihis good work.
Recovering from his vi'ound he went back to
the trenches, where he remained until the
20th September, when he died of wounds be-
lieved to have been received in the great at-
tack on the 15th September. Private Mel-
rose was a bright and promising young man,
23 years of age, and was loved by all who
knew him. He was home on short leave of
four days in November of 1915. In a letter
the Sergeant-Major of his company, in speak-
ing of Private Melrose, says that he was a
brave man and a much loved comrade. He
had done his duty with the faithfulness of
a true British soldier, and it cast a gloom
over the whole company when they received
the news that Private Melrose ihad died of
his wounds.
"Now for the first time have I an op-
portunity of writing to tell you of my own
personal sorrow at the loss of your brave
son. Private Melrose. As you will know,
he was killed by shell-fire — five days after
our great attack on loth September, and
although he lingered wounded for some
little time he would not suffer greatly, as
in these cases the shock is so severe that
little pain is felt. The senses are almost
entirely paralysed. He was a lad I knew
well. I remember liow his cheerful kindly
nature endeared him to officers and men
alike, and he was a favourite with all.
Trustworthy and dutiful, he was a good
60
County of Peebles Book, of Remembrance.
soldier and good man. It is lie and such
as he who will bring us to victory and
peace. But what can I say to you who
miss and mourn your dear lad? This — that
he died a noble death. He gave himself
for others in tlie fullest sense. He died
as he lived— bravely. And this— that had
it not been for j-ou and your mother's love
and care for him he would not have been
the fine man he was. He learned sacrifice
and unselfishness at your knee. He has
brought you great and lasting credit. And
this further — He who gave His own Son
to die for us all will not ever be far away
from those who have given like gifts. He
will watch over you and bless and comfort
YOU. ^lay you have happy memories of
your gallant son. We have. Accept my
sincere and heartfelt .sympathy."
In one engagement, at Hill 70, he was one
of nine who survived, and at Loos he was
one of those who gained the Military Medal.
He seemed always to be happy.
Tlie sun rises bright in France,
And fair sets he;
But he .has tint the blithe blink he had
In my ain countree.
Oh ! Gladness comes to many,
But sorrow comes to me.
As I look o'er the wide ocean
To my ain countree.
The bird comes back to summer,
The blossom to the tree;
But I win back, oh, never
To my ain countree.
I'm leal to the liigh Heaven,
Which will be leal to me,
And there I'll meet ye a' soon
In my nin countree.
"Say, what life woijUI theirs have been Ihat
it should make you weep for them,
A small grey world imprisoning the wings
of their desire?
Happier than they could tell who know not
life would keep for them
Fragments of the high rojnuncc, the old
heroic fire.
All tiiey dicamed of childishly, bravery and
fame for them,
flini'gc- :i( (111' caiinon'-i inniit.h. cnoniies
Ihey HJew,
Briglit arross the waking world, their
romancea cutjie t'nr (ln^m;
SERGEANT JAMES REDPATH
58th Canadians.
(Innerleithen and Canada)
1916. SErTEAIBEE 20.
Mrs Eedpath, Glenone, Innerleithen, re-
ceived official intimation that her !;on, James
Kedpath, of the 5Sth Canadians, had been
killed in action. Private Eedpath emigrated
to Canada five years previously, and enlisted
in June 1915. After undergoing a course of
training he was transferred to England in
November of the same year, and while in
this country was home on furlough about
Christmas, prior to being drafted to France
in January. Deceased served his apprentice-
ship as a warehouseman in Caerlee Mill, and
was for nine years employed in March Street
Mills, Peebles. He had two brothers, Andrew
and William, serving' with the colours. His
age was 32. During ihis short service in
France he aways wrote home in the best of
spirits. He was quickly promoted, and was
content and happy to be able to eerve his
country. He was killed on September 20th,
1916, and was buried on the battlefield near
North Albert.
Salute the sacred dead.
Who went and who return not — Say not so.
We rather teem the dead, that stayed be-
hind.
Blow, trumpets, all your exultations blow.
For never shall their aureoled presence lack.
They come transfigured back.
Secure from change in their light-hearted
ways.
Beautiful evermore, and with rays
Of morn on their white shields of expect-
ation.
. . . He leaves a white
Unbroken glory, a gathered radiance,
A width, a shining peace, under the night.
These ai'e men who shed an everlasting glory
on their beloved land.
Death's dark cloud enfolds them, but being
(lead, still they die not.
Since from on High their valour honours
them.
How should he die?
Seeing death hath no part in him anymore;
no power
Upon Ills head :
IFe lias bought his oternily with h lilllo lioui-,
\nd i. Hilt (lead.
■'%V-
Private Williasl Tennent,
Tnnehleithen.
C'oRPOEAL Andrew Airos Dove,
Drumelzjee, and Canada.
Private Arthur Biggar,
Walkerbxjen.
1'eivate Eobebt ^NFelrosb,
Manor.
SiERGEAXT James RRnrATH,
Innerleithen and Canada.
Lieut. Douglas (3. Constable,
Traquair.
1,1 KIT. Hon. riliWAItli \\ . 'ri;NNAN'J'
C'!i,|.;n((i\ni;i()
Tkaquaik.
I 'in V ATE J AM Ms I.ORTMKK,
Brouuhton and Twkedsmuir.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
61
LT. HON. EDWARD W. TENNANT
(GLENCONNER)
Grenadier Giahds.
(TBAQrAIB)
1916. Sr:PTE:MBEn 22.
We regr-et to anuoimce tlie death of the
Hon. E. Wyndhnin Teunant, eldest son of
Lord Gleiicoiiner, and the 55th heir to a
peerage that has lost his life in the war. He
fell in battle on September 22, aged 19. In
a letter to his mother, dated just before go-
ing into action, he wrote—
"This is written in case anything hap-
pens to me, for I should like yon to have
just a little message from my own Tiand.
Your love for me, and my love for you,
have made my whole life one of the hap-
piest there has ever been. This is a great
day for me. ^igh heart, high speech, and
high deeds 'mid honouring eyes.' God
bless you and give you peace."
Surely you found companions meet for you
in that high place;
You met there face to face
Those you had never kno\vn_ but w.liom you
knew —
Knights of the Table Eound,
And all the Very Brave, the Very True,
With chivalry crowned :
The captains rare,
Courteous and brave beyond our human air ;
Those who had loved, and suffered over much.
Now free from the world's touch.
Of the grandsons of the late Sir Charles
Tennant of the Glen, five fell. The first to
fall was Captain Lachlan Gordon-Duff, of
the 3rd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, in
October 1914. The Honourable Charles
Lister, eldest surviving son of Lord Ribljles-
dale, fell on the 28th August, 1915. The Hon-
ourable Edward Tennant, eldest son of Lord
Glenconner of Glen, fell on September 22,
1916. His cousin, Mark Tennant, of the
Scots Guards, son of Francis John Tennant,
Innes House, Elgin, fell in the same month,
September 30, 1916. The last of the gallant
five to fall was Henry Tennant, son of Har-
old J. Tennant.
The blitJhe lilt o' tliot air—
"The bush abune Traquair"—
I need nae mair, it'is enencli for me:
Ower my cradle its sweet chime
Cam' sughin' frae auld time —
Sae tide what may I'll awa' and see.
LIEUT. DOUGLAS O. CONSTABLE
Grenadier Guards.
(Traquair)
1916. September 25.
A wave of profound regret and deepest sym-
pathy swept over Traquair. district when it
became known that LieutGnaut Douglas Oli-
phant Constable, Grenadier Guards — young-
est son of Mr and Mrs G. W. Constable,
Traquair Bank— had fallen in action on 25th
September, and to very many the feeling was
one of great personal loss
Lieutenant Constable received the greater
part of his elementary education at Traquair
Public School, and gave early promise of a
brilliant future. His teacher, the late Mr
Menzies, often remarked that he was one of
the brightest pupils he had ever had. At St
Mary's School, Melrose, he was, in the Prin-
cipal's words, "one among a thousand," and
besides distinguishing himself in scholarship
by being dux of the school, his noble qual-
ities of heart and mind shone brightly forth
among his scliool-fellows. Proceeding to Ed-
inburgh University, he crowned a successful
course by graduating M.A. at the age of
twenty.
The realm of literature had always a strong
fascination for ihim, and with his keen per-
ception of all that was best_ and his inlierent
literary ability, it was almost safe to pro-
phesy that he would rise high in his chosen
career as a publisher. After gaining insight
into the various departments of his profes-
sion he was at the time of his enlistment
with Mr T. N. Foulis, of London and Edin-
burgh, and was entrusted with much impor-
tant work. So excellently was this perform-
ed that Mr Foulis looked forward with prid©
to the certain success of his future. He was
extremely happy in London— he lived in a
world of books, as had ever been his in-
clination and ambition — but at his country's
call he nobly and unselfishly responded. The
busy stir of camj) and the angry clasih of
arms must ever hav© been abhorrent to one
of his loving and sensitive nature, but from
the day of his enlisting in the Inns of Court
O.T.C. he threw his whole soul into his mil-
itary training and his promotion was rapid.
His commission in the Grenadier Guards —
entirely unsought by him, but which the
Colonel Commanding the O.T.C. urged upon
him to accept— was ample evidence that his
6l'
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
cultured and gentlemanly bearing-, his great
ability and thorough grasp of military mat-
ters, had been noted. On joining his bat-
talion at the front he received his baptism
of fire almost immediately, and on many
occasions shoTved his calm courage in tJie face
of danger and death.
Now his all too short career is ended.
While acting as temporary Captain, gallant-
ly leading his devoted men to victory, he
died a hero's death on the field of battle-
shot through the head.
It was anno\inced in the "London Grazette"
of the 13tli November that Second-Lieuten-
ant Douglas O. Constable, of the Grenadier
Guards, had been promoted to the rank of
lieutenant. The puthetic words — "Since
fallen in action," \sere, however, added.
Lieutenant Constable was killed on 25th
September.
There has been placed on the south wall
in Traquair Parish ChureJi a bras.s memor-
ial tablet, on a panel of oak, bearing the
following inscription in centre' : — "To the
memory of Dotjglas Oliphant Constable
(M.A.), Lieutenant, Grenadier Guards, kill-
ed at the Battle of the Somme, September
25th, 1916, aged 26 years. Commanding a
Company, and 'most gallantly leading his
men into action.' Laid to rest on the battle-
field. A dearly loved sou and brother." At
the left side of the tablet is engraved the
Cross, with sword resting against it, and
underneath the quotation — "In .short meas-
ures life may perfect be." At the right
hand side is the crest of the Grenadier
Guards.
And with you were the friends of yesterday,
Who went before and pointed you the way;
And in that place of freshness, light, and
rest.
Where Lancelot and Tristram vigil keep
Over their King''s long sleep,
Surely they made a place for you,
Their long expected gue.st,
Among th© chosen few.
And welcomed you, their ))rother and their
friend,
To that companionship wliicli linth no end.
Lieut<?nant Douglas Oliphant Constable was
the youngest son of George W. Constable,
factor, Traquair, and grandson of the Eev.
D. Macalister, minister of Stichill and Hume.
Roxburghshire, and a great grandson of the
Eev. Wm. Countable, minister of St Martins,
Perthshire. A month after going to France
he rose from Second-Lieutenant, or, as it is
styled in the Brigade, Ensign, to full Lieut-
enant — was appointed Intelligence OflBcer and
had various other special duties, being as-
.sistant Adjutant at the time he fell in
action. His nine months at the Front were
almost continuously passed in the awful, and
well-known-to-many, parts around and near
Ypres. When the push of July 1916 began
on the Somme his Battalion was moved there,
though it was not brouglit into action till
the end of August. Owing to the duties he
had to perform of a special nature he had
many opportunities of seeing far more than
those actually engaged fighting. On Septem-
ber 25th the O.C. of his company, having
been wounded a few days previously, Doug-
las Constable took over command of the
company and fell, 6,hot in the forehead, in
the words of the CO., " most gallantly lead-
ing his men in the attack on the German
trenches.'' His great companion and near
neighbour, the Hon. Edward Tennant, fell
three days before. '" Lovely and pleasant in
their lives, and in death they were not
divided."
A letter from a senior officer (killed later)
to his parents states: —
"I considered your ison the perfect type
of officer, combining brains, of which he
had more than his brother officers by far,
and courage of a really dauntless kind,
iinselfishness to a rare degree, and a love
and sympathy for the men who were near
him which they reciprocated in a way you
seldom see in the army, ©specially in th©
Guards, because of the discipline. He had
their confidence as well as love. If you
will let mc, Wihen the war is over, I will
come and see you and tell you many more
nice things about your splendid son."
Eeferring to Douglas Constable in a notice
in a paper, the writer naid, "lie readily re-
sponded to the call to arms, sacrificing the
prospects of a career which was most con-
genial to him. From the environment of
books he went to the battle zone, exchanging
the pen for the sword— his sun set before it
readied il-; zenith- his life liiii'sluul whilst
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance
63
it was just, unfolding. When tlie final call
came, it found him i-eady." His "runner,"
wlio saw him fall— lying wounded and dis-
abled himself— wrote aud asked if he might
have a photograph of him to reinind him in
days to come of the best and bravest gentle-
man he had ever known. In an article con-
tributed to "Blackwood's Magazine," by a
brother officer, on some aspects of war, he
introduced the character of Douglas Con-
stable, touching upon his equable tempera-
ment and unselfishness and how he seemed
to radiate happiness all around him. His
Chaplain said, "He died nobly right in the
front of a battlefield, which will thrill those
who read history in the future" (adding) "I
am thankful to have known and loved your
son." He was buried along with 30 officers
and 774 of the rank and file of the Guards'
Brigade who were in action that day at Les
Boeufs. Two years later he was removed
to the Guards' cemetery there. The last
line of the following verse is carved on his
tombstone.
"It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make man better be.
Or standing long an oak three hundred year
To fall a log at last, dry, bald and sere.
The lily of a day
Is fairer far in May
Although it fall and die that night;
It was the plant and flower of light."
"In small proportions we just beauties see.
And in short measures, life may perfect be.''
PRIVATE JAMES LORIMER
Scots Guabds.
(Broxjghton and Tweedsmuie)
1916. September 25.
He was one year and three months train-
ing with the Scots Guards at Wellington Bar-
racks. The last letter we received from him
was from the Base, dated 16th September,
1916; then we were notified that h© was post-
ed missing on Monday, the 25th September,
1916. The only information we received was
from a chiim, and he saw James in the first
German trench tliey took, but lost sight of
him after that; no more news of him could
be got. Age, 28 years; occupation_ shepherd.
That day the British advanced between
Combles aud Martinpuich. On the following
day. ComblCiS and Thiepval were taken.
Lord, how can he be dead.^
For he stood there just this morn
With the live blood in his cheek.
And the live light on his head.
Dost Thou remember. Lord, when he was
born.
And all my heart went forth Thy praise tu
seek,
(I, a creator even as Thou) —
To force Thee to confess
The little, young, heart-breaking loveliness.
Like willow-buds in spring, upon his browi'
Newest of unfledged things.
All perfect but the wings.
Master, I lit my tender candle-light
Straight at the living fire that rays abroad
Prom Thy dread altar, God.
IIow should it end in night .p
Ay ! see them as they sweep along
Borne on an unseen wind to the far throne
of God.
And, mothers; see; 0' maidens, look
How the world's Christ stoops down and
kisses each.
And listen now and hear their cry.
As. lances raised, they greet their King —
"There is no death. . . . There is no
death. . . .
No death. . . . '' and comfort you.
When the leaves fall.
LIEUT. MARK TENNANT
(Tbaqtjaie^
Seaforth Highlanders and Scots Guards.
1916. September.
He was the second son of Mr Francis John
Tennant, of Innes, Elgin. He bad been
killed in action. He was born in 1892 and
was educated at Eton. He went to South
Africa and remained there for two years for
reasons of health. On the outbreak of war
he received a commission in the Seaforth
Highlanders, and served with them for a
time at the Front. While holding the rank
of captain he transferred to the Scots Guards,
in which he was a lieutenant, and in which
his brother-in-iaw. Sir Ian Colquihoun, of
Colquhoun and Luss, held a commission. He
was a nephew of Lord Glenconner, and one
6-i
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
of the many grandsous of Sir Charles Ten-
naut who fell in the war.
Fenr no more the heat o' the sun,
Xor the furious winter's rages :
Thou thy worldly task hast done.
Home art gone, and tn'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must.
As chimney-sweepers, come to dttst.
Fear no more the frown o' the Great,
Thou are past the tyrant's stroke :
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust,
Shakespeare.
PRIVATE WILLIAM TELFER
(KiRKUKD AND TrAQUAIE)
12th Royal Scots and Cyclist Batt.vliox.
1916. October 1.
Private Wm. Telfer, second son of Mr John
Telfer, Craigurd, Castlecraig, Dolpliinton,
died of wounds in France on 1st October,
1916. Before th© war lie was a plotighman
in the employment of Lord Glenconner, at
the home farm of Glen. He joined the 121 h
Battalion Eoyal Scots a month after war
broke out. Six months later he was trans-
ferred into the Army Cyclist 'Corps with
which unit he went to France in September
1915. He saw much figlilnng, and was through
the first battle of the Somme. He seems to
have been severely wounded while on cycle
despatch work, and when picked up he was
dead. He was buried at Heilly Station Cem-
etery, near Corbie, but his parents were
never able to get any definite particulars of
their gallant son's end. He was born at
West Mains, Castlecraig, and was just twenty
when he died. He was well known and high-
ly thought of, both in his home district at
Kirkurd and at Glen.
Pulpit Eeference : — The Rev. D. C. Wise-
man, M.A., Kirkurd United Free Cinirch.
B.iid of him on October 22nd. 1916—" We
mourn to-day the loss of nnollier of our lads,
a yo\ing and very gallant lad. Willie, second
Kon of our esteemed deacon, Mr John Telfer.
A perfect guardsman in frame, more than
once he was asked to transfer to the Guards,
but he preferred the exciting work of de-
spatch rider. More than n yeni' in I'raiue.
he passed his 20th birthday there the other
day. He has never been home on leave, and
yester^iay his parents received intimlation
that he had died of wounds, doing his ardu-
ous and dangerous duty, on October 1st.
Willie Telfer was a fine lad, ciuiet in dispos-
ition, and reserved, ui^right and affectionate
in his life, worthy of the home into which
he was born. We honour his name. We
sorrow for his departure, but we believe that
Jesus Christ, when He comes, will bring him
with Him. No lover of war— but a lover of
honour in life and in death— of such is the
Kingdom of Heaven."
Thus should he stand, reminding those
In less-believing days, perchance
How Britain's fighting cricketers
Helped bomb the Germans out of France.
And other eyes than ours would see;
And other hearts than ours would thrill ;
And others say, as w© have said :
"A sportsman and a soldier still."
The ways of death are soothing and serene,
-A-nd all the words of death are grave and
sweet.
From camp and church, the fireside and the
street.
She beckons forth— and strife and song have
been.
O glad and sorrowful ! with triumphant mien
And radiant faces look upon, and greet
This last of all your lovers; and to meet
Her kiss; the Comforter's, your soul will
lean —
The ways of death are soothing and serene.
PRIVATE WILLIAM ROBSON
(Walkerburnj,
CAJrERONS.
1916. October 11.
News was received by Mr John Robson, East
End, Walkcrburn, that his son, Private Willia.m
Robson, Camerons, had been killed in action.
He joined up shortly after war broke out; and
"nils badly wounded. On recovering, he was sent
out to France, and joined a machine gun section.
Ho was barely 20 years of age. He was em
ployed at Tweedholni Mills.
He passed through all the Somme battles in
lOlfi, and was Killed on Wednesday, October 11,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
65
1916, by a sliell -nhich killed nine others besides
himself. Close to him there was another
"Walkerburn lad standing at the time, who said
afterwards that he did not know how he had
escaped as they were standing side by side. The
other lad, who joined up also at the very begin-
ning of the war, came through it all without a
scratch. Both lads had been together the whole
time since they enlisted.
Brave Cameron, shot like the sihaft from a bow
Into the midst of the plunging foe.
And with him the lads whom he loved, like a
torrent.
Sweeping the rocks in its foamy current :
And he fell the first in the fervid fray,
Where a deathful shot had shore its way.
But his men pushed on where the work was
rough.
Giving the German a taste of their stuff.
Where the Cameron n^en were wanted.
Then God go with you, fight for God,
For all is well and shall be well.
What though you tread the roads of Hell,
Your Captain these same ways has trod.
Above the anguish and the loss
Still floats the ensign of His Cross.
LIEUT. PHILIP GEORGE WOLFE-
MURRAY. R.N., V.R.
(Eddleston)
1916. October 12.
At Hartfield House, Tain, Eoss-shire, on
Thursday, October 12, 1916, Philip George
Wolfe Murray, Lieutenant E.N.V.E., H.M.S.
Alsatian," second son of Commander Philip
Wolfe Murray, E.N., retired, and Mrs P. Wolfe
Murray, from heart failure following typhoid
fever, contracted while in discharge of his
duties, aged 25.
Philip George Wolfe Murray, second son of
Commander Philip Wolfe Murray, E.N., and
his wife Elli© Blanche d© Winton, and grandson
of James Wolfe Murray of Cringletie, was born
in Bermuda, 5tli July, 1891. He was educated
at Bedford and Shrewsbury Schools, and Heidel-
berg University.
At the outbreak of war he was studying
forestry at the Prussian State School of Forestry,
Eberswalde, and only got out of Germany by the
last train that British subjects could travel in.
On his return home he volunteered his isevvices
to the Admiralty, and was given a commission
as Lieutenant E.N.V.E., and aiDpointed to
H.M.S. " Iron Duke " on the personal staff of
Admiral Jellicoe, having charge of the C. in C.
private telegraph book, and being often em-
ployed by him to carry important despatches to
London, etc. After this, in order to make use
of his fluency in French and German, he was
attached to the Flag Ship of the 10th Cruiser
Squadron, which blockaded the greater part of
the northern seas, serving on the staffs of Ad-
mirals De Chair and Tupper, in which difficult
and dangerous service he spent about 18 months.
In the spring of 1916 he contracted typhoid
fever at sea, and he died on October 12th at the
residence of his parents near Tain, Eoss-shire,
and was buried in the cemetery overlooking the
Dornoch Firth.
His Admiral wrote of him : " He was a very
popular officer, and always doing kind actions."
The sailor keeps a clean soul on the seas untrod :
There is room in the great spaces for the Vision
of God
Walking on the waters, bidding him not fear :
He has the very cleanest eyes a man can wear.
There's salt wind in Heaven and the salt sea-
spray.
And the little midshipmen boys are shouting at
their play.
There's a soft sound of waters lapping on the
shore.
The sailor he is home from sea to go back no
more.
Of all the thoughts of God that are
Born inward unto souls afar.
Along the Psalmists' music deep.
Now tell me if there any is,
For gift or grace, surpassing this —
" He giveth His beloved sleep."
PRIVATE JAMES AITCHISON
(Inneeleithen and Canad.^)
14th Canadians.
1916. October 15.
1916. Sunday, October 15. Died at Royal
Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, Private James
Aitchison, 14tli Canadians, formerly of Inner-
leithen.
These few words record the bare fact of the
passing of this brave man. He had a wife
and nine fine children. Add to this the fail-
ure of health, the giving up of business, the
loss of life itself, and one can realise though
but faintly the immensity of his self-denial,
66
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
and the large gift he besto\Yed ou us that we
might coutimie a free nation. While he lived
in Innerleithen, at St Eonan's Mount, he
carried on the trade of joiner. He continued
at his business when he emigrated to Saska-
toon, in Canada. He, like thousands of patri-
otic Canadian. Scots, came over to the help
of the Mother Country. In France he took
part in many engagements, and was severely
wounded at the Somme by shrapnel. He was
apparently recovering from his wounds, when
he was carried off by pneumonia, at the age
of forty.
The tall men of that noljie land
Who share such high companionship.
Are scorners of the feeble hand.
Contemners of the faltering lip.
When all the ancient truths depart.
In every strait that men confess.
Stands in the stubborn Tweeddale heart
The spirit of that steadfastness.
Wonderful battles have shaken the world,
Since the Dawn-God overthrew Dis :
Wonderful struggles of Eight against wrong,
Sung in the rhymes of the world's great
song.
But never a greater than this.
Bannockburn, Inkerman, Balaclava,
Marathon's godlike stand:
But never a more heroic deed.
And never a greater warrior In'eed,
In any war-man's land.
This is the Ballad of Langemarck,
A story of glory and might:
Of the vast Hun horde, and Canada's part
In the great, grim fight.
LIEUT. GEORGE F. E. BOYD
(Innerleithen)
10th Seapobths.
191G. October 19.
This gallant officer, son of the Rev. .Tames
Boyd, minister of Innerlcitlien, although but
a youth in yeans, was actually "an old Con-
temptilile," having enlisted in 1914. He
was one of those noble tons of the manso
who carried the flag of Scotland into every
corner of the world, and have made the
name of Scottish Highlander to bo admired
and dreaded by fchp cncraics of Britain.
George Boyd was educated ,it I'cKos College,
and soon after lea\ang in 1914, he enlisted
as a private in th© lOtli Battalion Seaforth
Highlanders In a few months after joining,
lie obtained his commission as second-
lieutenant, which was followed in a short
time by promotion to the rank of lieutenant.
While serving with his battalion near La
Ba&see, he was wounded, and was treated
at one of the base hospitals, from which he
was too soon discharged, and sent into the
trenches on the Somme. It was here tliat
he contracted the dysentery to which he
succumbed in a Boulogne hospital on Thurs-
day, the 19th of October, 1916, in his
twentieth year. His body was interred in a
beautiful cemetery near Boulogne.
He had two brothers serving iu the army,
Lieut. James Boyd, E.A.M.C., and Captain
Andrew Boyd, Seaforths. The former left
a practice in New Zealand and came home
and joined the Colours, when he was given
charge of a hospital in France, where he
was so highly commended for the able man-
ner in which it was conducted; and was
given the Distinguished Service Order.
The sons of th© manse belonging to
Peeblesshire who joined the army are :— The
three brothers Boyd (Innerleithen), two
brothers Martin (Peebles), two brothers Mil-
ler (Kirkurd), Harry Taggart (Lyne), which
represents the whole of the manses where
there were sons.
O it is sweet to think
Of those that are departed.
While murmured Aves sink
To silence tender-hearted :
While tears that have no pain
Are tranquilly distilling,
And the dead live again
In hearts that love is filling.
In the silence of the schoolroom, among the
desks deserted,
Ink-stnincd and marred by marks of many
hands,
Through the windows in the moonlight by
driving rain-clouds skirted.
Come tlic visions of old bo,ys from many
lands.
And quietly and nioiirnf\dly they take their
well-known i>laops.
And their books liw open by thein on the
form.
And they see, lus in n. inist-wi-aith, the old
forgotten fa«©s
With tlie scar-marks of the vvdrld's eternal
storm.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
67
PRIVATE GEORGE PARK
(Waxkeebxjbn)
12th Rotal Scots.
1916. October 20.
rte. Part was a native of Walkerburn, anrl
on enlistment at the end of August, 1914, was
37 years of age. He, along with so many
others in the village, responded at once to the
urgent call for men. After a period of train-
ing in and around Aldershot, he was at last
drafted to France in May, 1915, and was
severely wounded in October of that year, be-
ing brought across to England, and tended for
some time iu an hospital in Sheffield. On re-
covering, he enjoyed a brief holiday at home.
However, on reporting again at headquarters
he was soon passed "as fit," and again cross-
ed to France on the last day of 1915. He
took part in much of the severe fighting in
the Somme region, and notwithstanding the
very trying times, his weekly letter to his
mother made their hardships as fight as poss-
ible, and were always very optimistic as to
the ultimate result. A breakdown in health
necessitated a few weeks' rest. He had only
rejoined his company a few days, and was
participating in the grim struggle as a
stretcher-bearer, when he was killed by a
shell.
In civil life he was employed as a drawer
in the pattern department of Tweeddale Mills
(Messrs H. Ballantyne & Sons, Ltd.), and was
an enthusiastic member of the local Mini-
ature Rifle Club, taking part very successfully
in competitions, and was a very reliable
team shot.
His father was for over 30 years associated
with the local company of Volunteers, being
Quartermaster Sergeant.
His captain, in writing to his mother, ex-
pressing condolence, stated that Pte. Park
had been with the company since Sept., 1914,
and was one of the original No. 1 Platoon,
with so many other Walkerburn and Inner-
leithen men. — As a stretcher-bearer latterly
he did good work, and was a good all-round
soldier. He was well liked by everyone, and
his death is much regretted in the company.
He was killed instantaneously by a piece of
shell on Friday, the 20th Oct., 1916.
A comrade, in writing of him, stated he was
a good chum and a capable soldier, held in
high esteem by all the company. When he
met his death, he was doing heroic work as a
stretcher-bearer.
His brother, Sergeant John Park, was with
the Royal Scots.
It matters not where some men lie:
If my dear son his life must give,
Hosannas I will sing for him.
E'en though my eyes with tears be dim.
And when the war is over, when
His gallant comrades come again,
I'll cheer them as they're marching by.
Rejoicing that they did not die.
And when his vacant place I see^
My heart will bound with joy that he
Was mine so long — my fair young son —
And cheer for him whose work is done.
PRIVATE WILLIAM WATSON
(Walkeebuen)
Royal Scots.
1916. OCTOBEE, 24.
A letter was received by Mr William Wat-
son, Dalziel's Buildings, Walkerburn, from
Lance-Cpl. T. C. Laidlaw, D.C.M., in which it
is stated that Mr Watson's son. Private
William Watson, Royal Scots, had been killed
in action on Monday, the 24th October, 1916,
through being buried by the bursting of a
shell, death being instantaneous. He was ai
years of age, and was a Territorial before the
outbreak of war. He left for France in Nov-
ember, 1914, with his battalion, but was in-
valided a short time thereafter, when he paid
a short visit to Walkerburn. He again left
for France, and was slightly wounded in July
this year. He was employed in Tweedvale
Mills.
He had cnother brother in the Royal Scots,
who was to fall on Aug. 2, 1917.
On Saturday, October 21, the British had
captured strong positions near Thiepval.
Still I see them coming, coming
In their ragged, broken line.
Walking wounded in the sunlight.
Clothed in majesty divine.
For the fairest of the lilies.
That God's summer ever sees.
Ne'er was clothed in royal beauty
Such as decks the least of these.
68
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Tattered, torn, and blood}- kliaki.
Gleams of white flesli in the sun,
Eaiments worthy of their beanty,
And the great things they have done.
Purple robes and snowy linen
Have for earthly kings sufficed.
But these bloody, sweaty tatters
Were the robes of Jesus Christ.
GUNNER GEORGE COCHRANE
(Beoughtox)
Royal Field Artillery.
1916. October 27.
Gunner George Cochrane, R.T.A., eldest
son of the late William Cochrane, shepherd,
Mossfennan, Broughton, was by trade a
joiner before enlisting in R.E. in December,
1915; attached to the E.F.A., he was trained
at Luton and Woolwich, and drafted to
France in August, 1916. Wounded in action
about October 17th, 1916, he died of wounds
in Boulogne Hospital on Friday, October 27.
The Chaplain in his letter stated how high-
ly Gunner Cochrane was held, how patiently
he suffered, tenderly nursed, and peacefully
died.
He was laid to rest with full military hon-
ours, " a brave man who had doue his duty,"
in Boulogne Cemetery, on Sunday, October
29th, 1916.
Much sympathy goes forth to his widowed
mother at Eachan Mill, to his sister and
brother Charles, who served with the Black
Watch in France.
'■ Duty impelled you and you never faltered—
There was no need for her to whisper
twice ;
The end you saw not— no, nor would have
altered ;
Tou took the cross and made the sacri-
fice."
Not as in the days
Of earthly ties we love them:
For they are touched with rays
From light that is above them:
Another sweelnerss shines
Around their wcll-linown features:
God with Ilis glory signs
His dearly ransomed creatures,
BOMBARDIER ROBERT LEES
(Walkerblen)
Royal Field Artillery.
1916. MoND.^Y, November 13.
On active service on 13th November, 1916,
Bombardiea- Robert Lees, R.F.A., aged 33
years, son of Mr and Mrs Lees, Sunnybank,
Walkerburn. When war broke out he was
stationed at Kirkee, Poonah, not far from
Bombay, where he had been for a few
years. After mobilisation his battery, 82nd
R.F.A., was brought along with other three
batteries and sent up the Gulf to Basra.
From there they were sent up the Karun
River to "Abohaz'' to protect the oil pipe
line and drive back the Turks from that
quarter. From th'^re the division was
marched across the desert to the Tigris to
join the advance on Bagdad. After the
march commenced little was heard from
him except that they were always advancing,
driving the Turks before them. The div-
ision, of course, was in all the fighting up
to "Ctesiphon," whence the retreat to Kut
commenced. From that time no more was
heard from him until his parents received
a postcard from Afium Kara Hisser, in Anat-
olia, saying he was a prisoner there, and to
send on parcels as usual. No more news
came through, but they got word from the
War Office that he died there on 13th Nov-
em)5er, 1916. He enlisted in the E.F.A. at
Edinburgh, was sent from there to Maryhill,
transferred to the Curragh and Athlone.
Transferred to 82nd Battery for service in
India, first at Bellony and latterly at Kirkee.
He had about 14 yearn service altogether,
and was 33 years of age.
On the 5th of April, there was a British
success on the Tigris; and a relieving force
was only twenty miles distant from Kut.
On the 9th, the British attacked strong
Turkish positions at Sanna-i-yat, at which
there was much fighting. On the 12th, there
was a slight British advance on the Tigris,
and on th© 15th a slight British success;
with a further success on the 16th. On the
17th, the Turks counter-att.icked on the
Tigris, and very heavy fighting followed. On
ill© 23rd, tlie British failed to capture Turk-
ish positions at Sanna-i-yat on the Tigris.
And on the 24th the last attempt to relieve
LiELT. Mark Tik^aist,
TlSAgUAlE.
Private Williaji Robson,
Walkerbuhn.
Private William Telter,
KiRKURD AND TRAQUAIR.
LiEiTT. Piniip GhORGE WolfejMiirray,
Edpi-eston.
PXK. JajIES AlTClUSON,
IXXERLKITHEN AND CaXADA.
I'te. Geokge Park.
Walkekbuen.
I,ri'.i;r. (ii.oidii'; I''. I'',. Hovi'
iNNKKI.Kirill'.N.
r>ii()iJ(:irr()N.
Bi '.MnAuniKK KiiHhin J,, ks Walkekburn.
WiIjLIAsi Young Scott,
Newlanus and Canada.
PtE. WxLLlxlM WatSON; ^^■ALKEKBUBN.
Pbivate Andrew Knapp,
TWEEDbMUlR.
Peivate Hugh Wilson,
TiiAyUAlH.
I'luVATE Tom W. Bkhwn.
Traquaik..
Sai'I'ii; liditiKi' ()vm;.'ni)_
jNM'in.Hri'llHN AM) A I'S'l li \ 1,1 \.
I'm V All-. 'I'u I'.i.iiii,
TWEKUHMI III.
County of Peebles Bog^: of Remembrance
69
Kut failed. On the 29tli, Kut fell to the
Turks, when General Townsend, with 8000
men, surrendered to the Turks.
The unknown Good who rest
In God's still memory folded deep,
The bravely dumb who did their deed.
And scorned to blot it with a name.
Men of the plain heroic breed.
Who loved Heaven's silence more than fame.
They are at rest :
We may not stir the Heaven of their repose
With loud-voiced grief or passionate request,
Or selfish plaint for those
Who in the mountain grots of Eden lie.
And hear the fourfold river as it hurries by.
WILLIAM YOUNG SCOTT
(Newlakds)
Canadian Inpantet.
1916. November 18.
William Young Scott was the only son of
the late John Young Scott, Esq., of Redford-
hill and Deanshoi:ses, Leadburn, Peebles-
shire, who died on 17th May, 1921, and had he
survived he would have succeeded his father
in the estates as next heir-of-entail. He was
born in Edinburgh on 28th March, 1885. He
was educated at Royal High School, Edin-
burgh, and went to Canada in 1904 at the age
of 20. He was engaged in ranching there when
war broke out. He immediately volunteered
his services, and joined the 56th Bn. of Cana-
dian Infantry. In April, 1916, he came to
England with his regiment, and in the fol-
lowing Augiist crossed to France. He fell in
action in the Battle of the Somme on Satur-
day, 18th November, of the same year.
little isle our fathers held for home,
Not, not alone thy standards and thy hosts
Lead where thy sons shall follow. Mother
Land:
Quick as the north wind, ardent as the foam,
Behold, behold the invulnerable ghosts
Of all past greatnesses about thee stand.
From this vast altar pile the souls of meo
Speed up to God in countless multitudes;
On this grim cratered ridge they gave their
all
And, giving, won
The peace of heaven and immortality.
Our hearts go out to them in boundless
gratitude ;
If ours, then God's, for His vast charity
All sees, all knows, all comprehends— save
bounds,
He has repaid their sacrifice ; and we ?
God help us if we fail to pay our debt
In fullest full and all unstintingly.
PRIVATE ANDREW KNAPP
(TWEEDSMUm)
16th (Sebvice Batt.) Royal Scots.
1916. November 30.
Born at Cowglen, in the parish of Dunferm-
line, on 14th Novem))er, 1895, he completed
his education at Possilpark Public School.
Glasgow. He joined M'Crae's Battalion (16th
R.S.) early in January, 1915, and went to
France with the regiment on January 8th,
1916. The first important engagement was at
the Battle of the Somme, in July, 1916. He
was killed accidentally by the collapse of a
dug-out on 30th November, 1916.
You played your part: you wrote your name
Upon our simple annals clear.
In field and form-room still the same,
A knight without reproach or fear.
Thou deathless hero, sleeping by the sea
In thy forgotten grave. With secret shame
I feel my pulses beat, my forehead burn.
When I remember thou hast given for me
All that thou hadst, thy life, thy very name.
And I can give thee nothing in return.
PRIVATE HUGH WILSON
(Traquaie)
Royal Scots.
1916. December 1.
The sad news reached Traquair that Pri-
vate Hugh Wilson, Royal Scots, had been
killed in France on 1st December. Previous
to enlistment he was employed as a plough-
man at Traquair Knowe. For the last ten
years he had resided with his mother in
Traquair village. He was a quiet, conscien-
tious, and hard-working young man. He
saw much serious fighting during the nine
months he was in France. From letters re-
ceived it appears he was acting as one of a
70
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
bearer company, and wlieu exposed to shell
fire was hit on the back of the head by part
of a bursting shell — death being instantane-
ous. Much sympathy was felt for his re-
latives.
The Battle of the Ancre had been raging
ever since November 13. This was the
fourth phase of the Battle of the Somme.
The British had captured St Pierr© Divion,
south of the Ancre, and Beaumont Hamel,
north of the Ancre, and 4000 prisoners. They
captured next Beaucourt-sur-Anvre, and ad-
vanced east of Butte de Warlencourt. They
extended their line to the east, and ad-
vanced north and south of the Ancre, reach-
ing the outskirts of Grandcourt. Thereafter
there was a sort of a lull until December 11.
No more for liim the morning winds
Will blow fleet shadows o'er the downs.
No more for him the sunset red
Will deepen o'er the Western towns.
His patient hands no more may wrest
Scant profit from the barren soil.
No more his tired feet may tread
The paths that marked his daily toil.
The horse his kindly voice controlled
(By loving tendance made his own),
Will chafe beneath a stranger's touch
And wonder at a stranger's tone.
Eestless, with tlhrobbing hopes, with thwarted
aims.
Impulsive as a colt,
How do you lie here month by weary month
Helpless, and not revolt?
What joy can those monotonous days afford
Here in a ward.
PRIVATE TWEEDIE
(Tweedsmuir)
R.A.S.C. MoTOE Transport.
1916. Wednesday, December 6.
He was born at Hearthstane, Tweedsmuir,
November 8th, 1876. As he had trained as
an engineer and wais anxious to go on active
service as soon as possible, he joined tho
M.T..\.H.C. as a private without waiting for
a commission. He was sent out to Egypt at
once and then to Salonica, from where he
was invalided home and died on the 6th
December, 191C.
You wore your couiuge as you wore your
youth,
With oarelessnes« and joy.
But in wliat spartan school of discipline
Did you get patience, boy?
How did .you learn to bear this long-drawn
pain
Anil not complain?
PRIVATE TOM W. BROWN
(Tbaquair)
EoTAL Scots.
191G. December 6.
Killetl in action on 6th December, 1916,
Private T. W. Brown, Eoyal Scots, beloved
son of Mr and Mrs E. Brown, Traquair.
Blessed ar© the pure in heart. A feeling of
deep regret and sorrow was expressed all
over the parish of Traquair when it became
known that Mr Edward Brown, Kirkhoiise,
had received the sad news that his second
son, Tom, had been killed in France on the
6th December, 1916.
No young man in the district was more
popular or more highly respected. Before
enlisting in the Royal Scots, his duties
brought him into close contact with very
many of the parish, as for nine years he
had been rural postman, liis round including
such widely separated places as Cardrona
and Glenlude.
He had a cheery word for everyone, and
an obligation had only to be asked to be
conferred. He coTild be freed from his dut-
ies only after the Christmas postal pressure
of the year, so that less than 12 months'
service was all that he was privileged to
give to his country's cause. He received
his military training in one of the Border
towns, and on his few visits home, many l^e-
marked on his fine soldierly bearing. He
had been in France for nine months.
On 2nd December he wrote tihat another
Traquair lad, Private Hugh AVilson, of the
same regiment, had been killed. And before
the letter was received, he himself liad met
with a similar fate from th(v Inirsting of a
shell.
12 have now beon killed from 'I'rnquair.
From D. C. McEwen, Second-Lieutpnant —
The death of your son is a great loss to
the company, and the battalion, as he
was a good soldier and an exceedingly fine
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
71
fellow, and his loss is deeply regretted by
us all. I was his platoon commander,
and personally deeply regret liis loss.
From a chum in France —
Tom was a fins' lad in every way, gen-
erous, cheery, and kind-hearted. I may
say that he was known as svKih., not only
by hi«, Init hj all who knew him.
From Mr Easton, Postmaster, Innerleithen—
What a loss he will be here. I was
looking forward to the time when he
would be back to duty. He was always
cheery and obliging, and ready to do his
utmost iu the performance of his duties,
without a grumble even when the weather
was at its worst.
From Mr Mcintosh, Traquair, his school
teacher —
We shall long remember Tom's happy
and cheery way, and his unfailing obliging
spirit.
Close his eyes; his work is done.
What to him is friend or foeman.
Rise of moon, or set of sun,
Hand of man, or kiss of woman.''
As man may, he fought his fight.
Proved his truth by his eudeavour.
Let him sleep in solemn night.
Sleep forever and forever.
Great God, with tending hand
Watch o'er our souls.
Speeding from Mammon's land
To other goals.
And when the battlefield gives up her dead,
Let each on angel's breast lay down his head.
West liinton, and afterwards to Edinburgh,
where he wrought for some time with Messrs
Mackenzie & Moncur, Slateford Road. After
working for several years in London, he
sailed for Australia in 1912, and there he
wrought on the Bathurst Railway. When
the war broke out. Sapper Overend answered
the call of the Motherland for help. He re*-
ceived most of his training in Egypt, where
he fought against the Turks. He saw six
months' service in France before being
killed. He was of a cheery nature, a keen
sportsman, and well liked by all who knew
him. He was married and leaves a widow.
His elder brother, James, saw service in
France, both with the Black Watch and
Motor Transport service. His younger
brother, John, saw service in France with
the Canadian Imperial Forces, and although
serving in France from 1915 to the Armistice
was never wounded.
Another friend has left the light of day,
Has dropped life's many-coloured cloak,
and fled ;
Too silently his soul has slipped away.
And ere we guessed him dying, he was dead.
Ah, noble spirit ! thou hast found release
From bondage under duty's shining etar.
For, armoured in the panoply of peace.
Thou wast a soldier in a holy war.
Now hast thou paid the price, and earned
the meed
That great-hearts carry when they say
farewell :
A friend of man, a brother good at need,
A hero soul flits with thy passing bell.
SAPPER ROBERT OVEREND
(Innerleithen and Australia)
ROTAL EnGINEEES,
Australian Imperial Force.
1916. December 6.
Sapper Robert Overeud, Royal Engineers,
Australian Imperial Forc-es, second son of
Mr and Mrs Overend, Chambers Street, In-
nerleithen, was killed in action on 6l:h Dec-
ember, 1916.
Sapper Overend, who was 38 years of age,
served his apprenticeship as a joiner with
Mr Eckford, Innerleithen. He then went to
PRIVATE WILLIAM STIRLING
(Walkebbuhn and Australia)
Machine Gun Section.
1916. December 24.
" It is with the deepest regret that I have
to inform you that your son. Will, is no
longer with us. He was killed in action by
a shell on Christmas Eve, and was decently
buried in the cemetery of the military in
the town behind our lines this afternoon. It
is hard for me to speak a word of comfort
at this time, dear lady, but I pray that you
may be comforted by the thought that it was
God's will, and that he died in the noblest
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
cause that we know— fighting for the freedom
of his country. He suffered no pain, being
killed instantly. I beg to extend to you my
most heart-felt sympathy in your sad
bereavement."
William Stirling belonged originally to'
Walkerburn, where relatives reside yet. He
himself had emigrated to Brisbane, where
he carried on the business of contractor and
electrical engineer. On the outbreak of
war, he, one of those brave Tweeddale Scots,
returned to Europe and fought in defence of
the Mother of the Empire, and in so doing,
gave \ip all that life holds dear, even life
itself. In the end, the righteous cause for
which he died, achieved victory over the
powers of evil.
Lean, brown lords of the Brisbane beaches.
Lithe-limbed kings of the Culgoa bends,
Princes that ride where the Roper reaches,
Captains that camp where the grey Gulf
ends —
Never such goodly men together
Marched since the kingdoms first made
war :
Nothing so proud as the Emu feather
Waved in a Scottish wind before.
PRIVATE JOHN PRETSWELL
(Bhoughton)
9th Scottish Eifles.
1916. December 30.
Private Joihn Pretswell, ploughman, son
of David Pretswell, formerly at Burnetland,
now Coulter Haugh, joined the 9th Bat-
talion Scottish Rifles on 10th May, 191G ; trans-
fen-ed to 3/lct Lanarkshire Yeomanry;
trained at Scone Camp; musketry training at
Barry; then at Hawick and Catterick ;
transferred to 5th Reserve Scottish Rifles
at Catterick ; drafted to France, 4th October,
and attached to 9th Battalion Scottish Rifles
at the Base. He wont into the firing line < i
25th December, and met his death at the
end of the first i-etirement on 30th Decem-
ber, 191G, and was buried in the town behind
(ho liticH .it Fiiiiliourg D'Amicns Military
< 'ciLK^teiy, Arrjis.
A young man of [ironiise and ntlentive to
duty, aged nineteen years, he is much miss-
ed, and deep sympathy was felt for his
parents.
" Not spilt like water on the ground :
Not v\Tapt in dreamless sleep profound.
Not wandering in unknown despair
Beyond Tlij' voice. Thine arms. Thy care;
Not left to lie like fallen tree,
Not dead, but living into Thee.''
The journey is done and the summit attained,
And the barriers fall.
Though a battle's to fight ere the guerdoi^
be gained.
The reward of it all.
I was ever a fighter, so — one fight more.
The best and the last.
SECOND-LIEUTENANT JAMES
McNAUQHT.
(Walkerbuen and Canada)
Royal Scots.
1917. January 7.
Secpud-Dieutenant James McNaught, son
of the late Mr Robert McNaught, Walker-
burn, was born in Walkerburn, and received
his education in the Public School there, and
at Peebles Burgh and County High School,
which he attended in 1895-97. He qualified
as a solicitor in Edinljurgh, and in 190G
went out to Canada, where he became one
of the solicitoi>s of the C'aimdian Pacific Rail-
way. In a letter from Mr W. R. Jeffrey
(formerly of Haswellsykes, Manor), to Mr
G. C. Pringle, M.A., the Rector of the High
School, Mr Jeffrey says .— " I thought you
would be interested in the enclosed cutting
ironi the 'Monti-eal Gazette,' in connection
with the death of James McNaught, one of
the former High School boys. I have had
considerable dealings with McNaught tiiuce
I joined the Company five years ago, and I
can aasuro you no young man over had bettor
prospects. He was one of the soundest
lawyers I over came across, giving his de-
cisions with the greatest promptness, in
which he was seldom, if ever, wrong. Ho
gave up a position worth J;lO00 a year to join
the ranks, and went across to the Old Coun-
try to join up, to get sooner to the front
than he would have done by joining n Can-
adian regiment. Ilis place with llio Com-
pany will be hard to fill." The cutting from
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
13
tbe "Moutreal Gazette" is as follows :— "The
Canadian Pacific Railway has lost another of
its valued servants at the front. Lieutenant
Jame<s McXanght, a Scotsman by birth, was
one of the Company's solicitors with ofiSce
in Montreal, and his death is reported in to-
day's casualty list. Lieutenant McNaught
was one' of the most popular officials of the
C.P.E. He came to Canada in 1906, after
qualifying: as a solicitor in Edinburgh.
Shortly after his arrival he joined the law
department of the Company, and his abil-
ities were quickly appreciated, and his
efforts were rewarded by a promotion as
assistant to solicitor in 1911. It was three
years afterwards that Lieut. McNaught was
made one of the solicitors of ttie C.P.E., but
when the war broke out, like many other
Scotsmen, he had the fighting fever.
"He commenced his training with the McGill
Battalion in the summer of 1915. On Nov-
ember 17t,h the same year he went back to
Scotland and enlisted as a private in the
Eoj'al Scots. He trained all through the
winter until June, 1916, when he was selec-
ted to take an officers' training course. liieut.
McNaught had no difficulty in qualifying
and in October last he was appointed to the
2nd Battalion Eoyal Scots, and went to the
front about the beginning of December. He
was on the Somme front, and was killed in
action on Sunday, January Tth, 1917.'" He
leaves a widow and daughter to mourn his
loss.
Yea-, stubborn they stood, that hero band.
Where no soul hoped to live;
For five 'gainst eighty thousand men,
Were hopeless odds to give.
Yea, fought tihey on, 'twas Friday eve.
When that demon gas drove down ;
'Twas Saturday eve that saw them still
Grimly holding their own.
Sunday, Monday, saw them yet,
A steady lessening band.
With " no surrender " in their hearts,
But the dream of a far-off laud.
Where mother and sister, and love would weep
For the hushed heart lying still;
But never a thought but to do their part.
And work the Empire's will.
Ringed round, heninied in, and back to back.
They fought there under the dark.
And won for Empire, God, and the Right,
At grim, red Langemarck,
PRIVATE WILLIAM BERTRAM
(Manor)
Black Watch.
1917. Thursday, January 25.
Died of wounds received in Prance, Private
William Bertram, Black Watch, son of John
Bertram, Hallyards lodge. Manor, dearly
beloved and deeply mourned, in his 31st
year. His brother George fell on July 14,
1916.
From the 16th January there had been im-
portant daylight raids by the Britisli west of
Lens. On the 17th this was repeated, the
enemy jjosts on a front of 600 yards being
captured north of Beaucourt-sur-Ancre.
About the time that Private Bertram fell,
the British took a German position and 350
prisoners near Le Transloy.
Her boys are not shut out. They come
Homing like pigeons to her door.
Sure of her tender welcome home.
As many a time before.
Oh, not like lonely ghosts in mist,
Her boys come from the niglit and rain.
But to be clasped, but to be kissed,
And not go out again.
Light of Light, give us to see, for their sake.
Light of Light, grant them eternal peace;
-And let light perpetual shine upon them;
Light everlasting.
SERGEANT "WILLIAM BELL
(Traquair)
8th Royal Scots.
1917. January 27.
Born at Galashiels in the year 1880; edu-
cated at Ladhope Bank School (Gala), was
a keen Volunteer, and saw active service in the
South African War, for which he held the
Queen's Medal. Before enlistment he was em-
ployed as a yarn clerk with D. Ballantyne,
Brothers & Co., Ltd., Waverley Mills, Inner-
leithen. Enlisted in 1914; trained at Had-
dington, and later Recruiting Sergeant at
Innerleithen.
Died in hospital in Edinburgh on Satur-
day, 27th January, 1917. Survived by his
widow and son, now residing at Traquair.
Fold him in liis country's stars.
Roll the drum and fire the volley.
What to him are all our wareP
What but death bemocking folly?
Leave him to God's watching eye :
Trust him to the hand that made him.
Moital love weeps idly by;
God alone has power to aid him.
74
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
CAPTAIN JAMES THORBURN
(.Tweedsmuie)
EoTAL AiE Force.
1917. Febhuaey 11.
Captain, R.G.A., volunteered into the E.A.F.
Was pilot and Acting Squadron Commander,
13th Squadron. On the 11th February, he
was brought down by a Fokker behind the
German lines, taken by surprise, the Huns
dropping upon him from a cloud. He was
reported missing, but his comrades in very
sympathetic letters said he must be killed.
One man said that his bus was brought
down in flames. His Major, in a kind letter,
8aid he had done very good work, and not
to despair. The German Eed Cross reported
from the German side that he was killed and
buried in Eoeux Cemetery. He was married
and left a son. His wife refused to believe
him dead. In civil life he was a partner
of Eobert Thorburn and Sons, builders, Ed-
inburgh.
His brother William died on March 22,
1915 ; succumbing to wounds at CraigleitJi
Hospital.
After days of watching, days of lead.
There came the certain news that you were
dead :
You had died fighting, fighting against odds,
Such as in war the gods
Aetherial dared when all the world was
young,
Suoh fighting as blind Homer never sung.
Nor Hector nor Achilles ever knew :
High in the empty blue. High, high, above
the cloud.?, against the setting sun.
The fight was fought, and your great task
was done.
Wak Ef.cord of Other Membijrs of
Thorbukn Family, Tweedsmuie.
Mary Mitohell Thorburn, R.E.C., 1st Class,
Head Matron in Horton War Ho-spital, Ep-
som, Surrey. This hospital was intended for
2,000 rank and file, but was added to for 700
officers. Site was trained in the Fever Ho.s-
pitnl and Royal liifirmaiy. Edinburgh. Dur-
ing an ej)ideiiiic she volunteered 1o nurse
small pox patients.
Jiobert : In tlic Boor War. Scrgl., liui)orinl
Yoomanry, medal and five bars; Great War,
Mercantile .Mniine. His vcisel took troops.
etc., to German South West Africa from the
Cape. Afterwards bis ship took stores to
Salonika, and in tiie Government service went
up and down the Mediterranean to Alex-
andria and Malta, etc.
John Middlemass : Mercantile Marine, Chief
Ofiicer (passed Master). His vessel was com-
mandeered at the beginning of the war, and
after some service to Eosyth, his ship went
to Baltimore, U.S., where he left her. Sthe
(the S.S. Teviotdale) was torpedoed on the
way home and all the officers drowned. He
later served as a private in the 48th Eegi-
ment, U.S. Army, in France.
Vincent Dawson was gazetted from the
O.T.C., George Watson's School, into tthe
Forth E.G.A.T. Was ^ years in Batteries
in the Forth district ; a weary vigil. Was
promoted Lieutenant.
Lastly, Thomas, was engaged building mun-
ition works from the first. Ardeer and
Irving, Ayrshire; Pembrey, 2, South Wales,
and Bristol.
PRIVATE JOHN McFADYEN
(Walkerburn)
Royal Scots.
Machine Gun Corps.
1917. February 22.
John McFadyen, private. No. 37904, 136th
Machine Gun Corps, 3rd son of the late Alex-
ander McFadyen, and Mrs McFadyen, 113
Comiston Road, Edinburgh. He was employ-
ed as gardener by Mr Ballantyne, Stony-
hill, Walkerburn. Enlisted in the Royal
Scots. Was transferred to the Machine Gun
Corps, and received his training at Grant-
ham. He served with the Indian Expedi-
tionary Force in Mesopotamia from Septem-
ber, 1916, and was killed in action at Sanny-
i-yat on Thunsday, 22nd February, 1917.
Buried on the battlefield.
No doubt by this time you will know that
John had been killed in (he attack on Sann-
i-yat on the 22nd Felnuary. 1 am writing
this in the hope that it will be some con-
solation to you to know that ho died as
he would have wished, a good soldier's
death, and in one of the greatest victories
of this war. Jock was a special favourite
among the boys of the section, who join
me in sending their deepest sympathy in
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
75
your hour of trial. I would like to take
this opijortunity of expressing to you my
sincere syrapatihy in your great loss, and
at the same time my appreciation for the
great devotion your son always showed to
his duty. John was the most cheerful and
best of pals, and we who knew him and
chummed with him in Grantham and after
we came out here, miss him greatly. On
behalf of my chums and myself, I wish
to tender to you our sincerest sympathies
in your bereavement.
My shoulders ache beneath my pack
(Li© easier. Cross, upon His back).
I march with feet that burn and smart
(Tread, Holy Feet, upon my heart).
Men shout at me who dare not speak
(They scourged Thy back and smote Thy
cheek).
I may not lift a hand to clear
My eyes of salty drops that sear.
(When shall my fickle soul forget
The agony of bloody sweat).
My rifle hand is stifi and numb
(From Thy pierced palms red rivers come).
Lord, Thou didst suffer more for me
Than all the hosts of land and sea.
So let me render back again
This millionth of Thy gift. Amen.
LANCE-CORPORAL WILLIAM HALL
(Beoughton)
4th Royal Scots.
1917. Febeuaet 28.
I/ance-Corporal William Hall, nephew of
Miss Hall, the Schoolhouse, Glenholm, son of
the late James French Hall, volunteered
shortly after the outbreak of war. He was
out in France for only six weeks when he
fell, instantaneously killed by a shell when
out with a bombing party near Arras, on
Wednesday, 28th February, 1917. His CO.
said of him — "He was a good soldier and
efiicient N.C.O." He was with Messrs Simp-
eon and Lawson, W.S., Albyn Place, and
had gone up for his final examination in law
the year of the war. He was much appre-
ciated in the office, and was a Sunday School
teacher and guildsman, in St Andrew's
Church, Edinlnirgh. His brother fell on
June 28, 1915.
"He being dead, yet speaketh.'^
" Carry on ! Carry on !
Fight the good fight and true;
Believe in your mission, greet life with a
cheer !
There's big work to do and that's why you
are here.
Carry on! Carry on!
Let the world be the better for you ;
And at last when you die, let this be join
cry :
Carry on, my soul ! Carry on"
PRIVATE G. R. LITTLE
(Walkeebhex)
Royal Scots.
1917. Maech 21, Missing.
He was 25 years of age, and enlisted on
September 1, 1914. He went to France in
May, 1915, and was continuously in action
except for two visits home; the latest eight
weeks before he fell. He had been in Tweed-
vale Mills. He( was well known in Border
Rugliy football circles, and played for Wal-
kerburn. He had two brothers serving.
On the day previous, the British had ad-
vanced towards Carabrai and St Quentin, and
had occupied 14 villages. The Department ot
the Oise was completely liberated. And on
the 21st, the British advanced south-east and
east of Peronne, occupying forty more vill-
ages, and approaching St Quentin. Their
progress towards Cambrai continued.
Somewhere beneath the stars he lies.
Whom earth has taken to her breast.
Nor ever may our tear-dimmed eyes
Behold where now he takes his rest.
No cross records his well-loved name.
No tomb in days to com© shall tell
In golden letters of the fame
That crowned him even as he fell.
PRIVATE WILLIAM INGLIS
(Walkerburn)
12th Royal Scots.
1917. March 22.
Enlisted in September, 1914. Left for
France in May, 1915. Was invalided home
in April, 1916 ; was reported missing, March
22nd, 1917, and was presumed killed on that
date. He was 32 years of age, and was un-
76
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
mariied. He also resided ■with his sister,
Miss Eobina Inglis, at Jubilee Eoad. Wal-
kerburn.
Oil tills day, March 22, there was greatly
increased enemy resistance on the British
front, from i,vest of St Quentin to the sonth
of Arras. There were at the same time
severe snowstorms which added greatly to
the sufferings and hardships of the army.
On tihe day following, there was more fight-
ing on the British front between Arras and
the Bapaume-Cambrai road. And on tlie
2ith the Biitish took Eoisel, east of Peronne.
"Somewhere in France," — we know not where
he lies,
'Mid shuddering earth and under anguished
skies.
We may not visit him, but this we say :
Though our steps err, his shall not miss
their way.
From the exhaustion of war's fierce embrace,
He, nothing doubting, went to his own place.
To him has come, if not the Crown and
Palm,
The kiss of peace—a vast, sufficing calm.
PRIVATE W. W. STEVENS
(Teaqvaie and Australia and Newlands)
Australian Imperial Force.
1917. April 2.
Killed in action in France on the 2nd
April, 1917, Private Wm. W. Stevens, Aust-
ralian Imperial Force, aged 33, beloved hus-
band of Mary B. Burton, Perth, West Aust-
ralia, and eldest .son of Wm. W. Stevens,
Danderhall, Dalkeith, son-in-law of Alex.
B. Burton, Kailzie Mains, deeply regretted.
He was born at Blylha^, Newlands, on July
19, 1884.
The Britisli had captured Savy on the
previous day, four miles west of St Quentin,
and also Savy Wood. On April 2, when Pri-
vate Stevens fell, the British advanced west
and north of St Quentin, capturing three
villages to the west; and on the north be-
tween Arras and the Bapaume-Cambrai road,
taking Croiselles and other five villages.
There wa.s a man once loved green fields like
you.
Iff drew Ills Unowledge from the wild
birds' Hongs;
And he had praise for every beauteous
thing.
And ho had pity tor all |)itPous wrongs.
A. lover of eartli's forests— of her hills.
And brother to her sunlight— to her rain —
Man, witli a boy's fresh wonder. He was great
With greatness all too simple to explain.
We know it was for you who bear his name,
And such as you that all iiis joy he gave ;
His love of quiet fieldfi, his youth, his life.
To win that heritage of peace you have.
SERGEANT DIOKSON MATJLE
(Walkerburn)
Eighth Eotal Scots.
1917. April 9.
Sergeant Dickson ^Maule was killed in
action near Arras while leading his platoon
on Monday, April 9th, 1917, and was buried
in the Soldiers' Cemetery at Eocklincourt.
He was called up with the 8th Eoyal Scots
(Territorials) at the outbreak of war, and
went to France with liia regiment at tJie
beginning of November, 1914. He was pro-
moted Sergeant on the Field. He was once
wounded previously in November, 1916. He
was home on one month's leave three months
before he was killed. Previous to the war
he was employed as a pattern weaver in
Tweedvale Mills, Walkerburn. He was 25
years of age, and was well known in Border
Rugby circles as a member of the Walker-
burn Club.
There is a hill in Flanders,
Heaped with a thousand slain,
Where the shells fly night and noontide
And the ghost^s that died in vain ;
A little ihill, a hard hill
To the souls that died in pain.
There is a hill in Jewry,
Three crosses pierce the sky,
On the midmost He is dying
To save all those who die;
A little hill, a kind hill
To souls in jeopardy.
PRIVATE JAMES CAMPBELL
(WALKEUBiraX)
13TII RoTAL Scots.
1917. Apkil 9.
Private James Campbell was killed on Mon-
day, 9th April, 1917. at the Battle of Arras.
Ho was in America for six years before war
broke out, and when he got word of his
brother's death, he oame right home and joined
up. He only got nine weeks' training on this
Private William Stieling,
Walkerbuen and Australia.
Second-Lie iJTEN ANT James McNaught,
Walkebburn and Canada.
Private John Peetswiell,
Broughton.
Private William Bertram,
Manor.
2 I
Skroeant ^^'^.T,IA^\I Bell.
Traqttair.
Pte. John M'Fadyen,
Walkerbuhn.
< Al'TAI.S .Ia.MIS 'ri(li|(l!L'l(N,
TWKEnSML'JE.
liCi.;.-( I'l.. \Vii,LiAM IIakl,
bUOUOHTON.
PtE. G. L". I.ITTLE^
Walkeebxjex.
Private W. W. Stevens,
TllAQUAIR, AuSTn,ALIA, AND "NeWLANDS.
Pte. Wm Inglis,
Walkek'bubn.
Sergeant Dickson j\Taule,
Walkerburn.
r 1
r .
% *
m^-
'■^
i^K'''
Vij
I
-
. • « - ^
Private James Campbell,
Walkebbuhn.
Private George jNI. Douglas,
Innerleithen.
Captain 'I^homaa AR'niuit Nelson,
DnujiELZiEn.
J. I Kill'. Alexander Inuljs,
Stobo.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
77
side b^elore being sent to France. He was 36
wars old. and was attached to the 13th Koj'al
Scots. Private Campbell was on duty with
his company on the morning of the 9th April,
when a shell bxirst quite close to him, and
fatally wounded him in the body. He was
quite unconscious, and died in the field am-
bulance a few hours later.
His younger brother, Willie, fell on May 16,
1915.
Private Campbell was one of those gallant
patriots who, though exiled for six years in
America, responded to the call of the Mother
Country and gave their lives for the Empire.
Before going to America he was secretary cf
the Thistle Football Club, and worked in
Tweedvale Mill. He went to America in 1908,
and travelled over a good many States during
his sis years in that country, until his
brother, Willie, was killed, then he came
home at his own expense and joined \ip to
have revenge. But he was killed on the 9th
April at the Battle of Arras, while on duty as
a dispatch rider, the same bullet killing two
of them. He is buried in Faughbury
D' Amiens Cemetery, Arras.
They are but fragments of Imperial splendour,
Handfuls of might amid a mighty host,
Yet I, who saw them go with proud surrender.
May surely claim to love them first and
most.
They who had all, gave all. Their half-writ
story
Lies in the empty halls they knew so well.
But they, the knights of God, shall see His
glory.
And find the Grail even in the fire of hell.
CAPTAIN THOMAS ARTHUR NELSON
(Deumelziee)
Yeomakry.
1917. April 9.
Killed in action on Monday, April 9, 1917,
Thomas Arthur Nelson, of Ach-na-Cloich,
Argyllshire, and St Leonards, Edinburgh,
aged 40. Yeomanry.
It was officially reported that Captain
Thomas Arthur Nelson was killed on the 9th
April. Captain Nelson was a director of the
well-known publishing firm of Messrs Thomas
Nelson & Sons (Ltd.), Edinburgh. On the
outbreak of war he mobilised with the Yeo-
manry, and he had been at the front for
about eighteen months. He was transferred
from his unit to take up special service, and
was killed by a stray shell. Forty years of
age, he was educated at Edinburgh Academy,
and afterwards at University College, Ox-
ford, where he was captain of the Oxford
Rugby fifteen. In the international match
against England in 1898 he played in the Scot-
tish threequarter line. His death brings the
number of Scottish internationalists either
killed or missing up to 21. Captain Nelson
married a daughter of Mrs Balfour of
Dawyck, and leaves two sons and four daugh-
ters. The deceased oflieer was greatly re-
.ipected both in military and civil life. He
took a sympathetic interest in the welfare of
the workers employed by the fLi-m, one of the
acts associated with his name and that of his
brother being the granting of facilities for re-
creation in the private park attached to the
house for the use of the athletic club con-
nected with the establishment. The firm, in
deed, were pioneers in the matter of provid-
ing for the health, comfort, and social inter-
course of their employees, appointing a speci-
ally qualified official, whose sole duty is to
supervise the welfare of the workers. Cap-
tain Nelson spent a considerable part of each
year on his estate at Ach-na-Cloich, on Loch
Etive, and was well known and exceedingly
popular in the Oban district.
One who from his earliest undergraduate
days had a kind of genius for inspiring friend-
ship and confidence. Coming up to Usniver-
sity College from Edinburgh Academy, with
a great reputation in Eugby football, Thomas
Arthur Nelson played for the University from
1898 to 19O0; and in 190O was captain of the
Oxford fifteen. He played also as inside
threequarter for Scotland. He was President
of Vincent's, a post which demanded not only
a distinguished athletic record, but a very
special personal popularity. And indeed dur-
ing his college days I think that if a poll had
been taken for the best liked man in Oxford,
Thomas Nelson would have headed it. He car-
ried on the tradition of another member of
his college, E. E. Balfour, whose sister he
afterwards married, a tradition in which his
pre-eminence in sport was less remembered
than his singular gift for winning the devo-
tion of all sorts of people. Even in these days
he was singularly wise and mature, for with
all his zest for amusement and adventure, ho
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
had granite commonsense, and a liigh notion
of duty. He was a man to whom one turned
naturally for help and counsel.
He left Oxford to take his part in the great
publishing house which bears his name. He
worked hard at the business, and under his
hands and those of his colleagues it grew to
become perhaps the largest organisation of
its kind in the world. But his life could not
be narrowed to one interest. No employer
over gave more thought to the wellbeing of his
employees, and no master ever enjoyed a
more wholehearted popularity. He had a
deep interest in all schemes of social better-
ment, and being too modest to preach, he was
content to practise. He was a keen Yeo-
manry officer, a pioneer of afforestation, an
ideal West Highland laird. He was the best
of sportsmen, not merely because he did
everything well, and with imjnense gusto, but
because he had in his bones the love of wild
life and adventure and conquest. But his
great endowment was his genius for friend-
ship with all human classes and conditions.
His kind, serious eyes looked out on the world
with infinite friendliness and understanding.
His death makes a bigger hole in the life of
Scotland than that of any man of his years.
There are some people whom one instinct-
ively feels to have been born for this war, to
have always been in training for it. It is
true of the very young men who as platoon
commanders and aviators have so wholly ful-
filled the purpose of life. It is true perhaps
of Thomas Nelson. His friends always felt
that he was fitted for greater things than any
they foresaw for him — greater than business
or politics (which latter he hated, though it
was said that he could have been elected for
any Edinburgh constituency on whatever side
he chose to stand). The war brouglit that
greater destiny. His one thought from the
first day was to give everything he possessed
to his country's service. During the early
montlis when lie was training with the Yeo-
manry at home, he fretted at his inaction.
He went to France in September, 1915, and
presently as corps observation officer he was
doing admirable work, for which, at the
Battle of the Ancre, he was mentioned in
despntclies. In liis last months he was with
the Tanks, and enjoyed every moment of it.
Always absurdly modest, he was immensely
appreciative of his colleagues, and eager, ns
he said, to make himself a good soldier. But
a good soldier he was by nature, with his
quick intelligence, his faithfulness, his un-
f-liakeable good humour, and perfect cour-
age. He died as he would have wished, in
his country's triumphant advance toward
that end for which he held no sacrifice too
great.
" Far other is that Battle in the West,
Whereto we move, than when we strove in
youth."
But he carried to his last fight the clean a-iid
happy spirit that he had kept iindimmed
from boyhood.
You hear the solemn bell
At vespers, when the oriflammes are furled
And then you know that somewhere in the
world.
That shines far-off beneath you like a gem,
They think of you, and when you think of
them
You know that they will wipe away their
tears,
And cast aside their fears :
That they will have it so,
And ill no otherwise •■
That it is well with them because' they
know.
With faithful eyes.
Fixed forward and turned upwards to the
skies.
That it is well with you,
Among the chosen few.
Among the very brave, the very true.
PSIVATE GEORGE M, DOUGLAS
(Innerleithen)
Aeqyll and Suthekland Highlanders.
1917. April 9.
Killed in action on Monday, the 9th April,
1917, George M'Plierson Douglas, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders, beloved husband of
Jessie Watson Lugton, Lion's Gate, Ford,
llidlothian, and dearly loved second eon of
the late Thomas Douglas, baker, Inner-
leithen, and Mrs Douglas, Morningside, In-
nerleithen. He was killed after getting over
the parapet going in a cliarge at the battle
of Arras. The' Chaplain said he was a faith-
ful servant and was very brave.
Official intimation received by Mrs Douglas,
Morningside, that her son, Private George
M. Douglas, Argyll and Sutiherland Highland-
County of Peebles Book: of Remembrance.
79
ers, was killed in action in France, on the
9th April. Private Douglas had just com-
pleted his time as a reservist when war
broke out, but rejoined the colours under
the Derby scheme and was called up with
his class in April, 1916, going to France in
July. While in the reserve he was employed
in Glen gardens. After he married he was
employed as gardener and lodge-keeper at
Preston Hall, Pathhead, Ford. He was 33
years of age.
The battle of Arras began on this day, on
a twelve mile front. The Canadians took
Vimy Ridge, 5 villages and GOOO prisoners.
The British also took 6 villages and entered
Havrincourt Wood.
Out of the flame-scarred night one came to me
And whispered, "He is dead.'' But I, who
find
The resurrection is in each noble mind.
Thy soul in every deed of chivalry,
I can but think, while lives nobility,
While honour lights a pabh for human-kind,
While aught is beautiful, or aught enshrined,
Death hath o'ertaken, but not conquered
thee.
LIEUT. ALEXANDER INGLIS
(Stobo)
8/10th Gordon Highlandees.
1917. APEIL 11.
Killed in action on Wednesday, April 11,
Alexander Inglis, lieutenant, Gordon High-
landers, aged 26, only son of the late Alex-
ander Inglis and Mrs Inglis, 2 Eillbank
Terrace, Edinburgh. He was educated at
the Eoyal High School, Edinburgih, and was
a private in the 9th Eoyal Scots when war
broke out. He obtained his commission in
the Gordons in the autumn of 1914. He
was employed with Messrs Thomas Nelson &
Sons, publishers, Parkside Works, Edin-
burgOi. Lieutenant Inglis was a grandson
of the late Mr Alex. Inglis, who for 47
years was gamekeeper to Sir G. Graham
Montgomery, Bart., Stobo Castle. His mat-
ernal grandfather was the late Mr Adam
Brown, farmer, Drochil Castle.
He went to France in July, 1915, and was
through the battle of Loos and Hill 70 in
September, 1915, being in the 41th Brigade
of the 15th Scottish Division. He was bomb-
ing officer first for his battalion, then for
the brigade, and latterly was acting Captain
at the Divisional Bombing School, but was
in command of the bombers of his brigade
when he was killed.
As in days of old, Lieut. Inglis and his
Captain, Nelson, fell in the same battle of
Arras, both in the same firm of Nelsons.
Sleep on, sleep on, ye resting dead,
The grass is o'er ye growing
In dewy greenness. Ever fled
From you hath care, and, in its stead.
Peace hath with you its dwelling made,
Where tears do cease from flowing.
Sleep on.
Sleep on, sleep on; ye do not feel
Life's ever-burning fever —
Nor scorn that sears, nor pains that steel
And blanch the loving heart, until
'Tis like the bed of mountain-rill
Which waves have left forever.
Sleep on.
Sleep on, sleep on, your couch is made
Upon your mother's bosom;
Yea, and your peaceful, lonely bed
Is all with sweet wild-flowers inlaid.
And over each earth-pillowed head
The hand of Nature strews them.
Sleep on.
PRIVATE THOMAS SCOTT
(Walkeebuen)
7th King's Own Scottish Boedbeers.
1817. Between 11th and 13th Apeil
(Missing).
Private Thomas Scott, K.O.S.B., missing
between 11th and 13th April. His brother.
Lieutenant Andrew Scott, was killed on April
18. He enlisted in September, 1914.
Private Thomas Scott, 7/8th Battalion
K.O.S.B., served his apprenticeship in the
grocery department of the Walkerburn Co-
operative Society, but for a few years previ-
ous to enlistment he was employed as a for<i-
man with J. & P. Coats, Ltd., Paisley. Ho
enlisted in the 8t-h K.O.S.B. on September 4,
1914, and received his training in England.
Proceeding to France in July, 1915, the batta-
lion, which formed part of the famous 15th
Brigade, at once went into active service, and
in September of that year, took part in the
Battle of Loos, in which they were so badly
cut up that they had afterwards to be amal-
80
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
gamated with the 7th battalion, whose losses
had also been heavy. The battalion continued
to take part in much severe fighting. Private
Scott had several very narrow escapes, and
previous to his fatality had been slightly
wounded, and was also in hospital for a few
weeks suflering from the effects of a gas
attack. It was on April 11th. 1917, while en-
gaged in the big advance, which started on the
9th, that he was seriously wounded. A few-
days later he was reported wounded and miss-
ing, and later still came the report, presumed
killed. In writing to his relatives at the
time. Major Hart said — " During the fighting
on the 11th, your son, who was my servant,
and who was with me at the time, was I re-
gret to say, seriously wounded in the foot.
We were advancing, and I could not go back
to see him, but I aiu told that he was at once
dressed by the doctor, who fortunately was
near by, and that in spite of having a very
bad wound in the foot, he was carried out
conscious and quite cheery. I expect he will
liave already written to you, and possibly he
is in Britain by this time. I can only say
that he did his duty gallantly, and I regret
his loss beyond measure, and I trust he will
recover satisfactorily." He was unmarried.
Receive him. Earth, into thine harbouring
shrine :
In thy soft tranquil bosom let him rest;
These limbs of man I to thy care consign.
And trust the noble fragments to thy
breast.
This house was once the mansion of a soul
Brought into life by his Creator's breath :
Wisdom did once this living mass control:
And Christ was there enshrined Who con-
quers death.
PRIVATE GEOKGE CHALMERS
(Walkeeblrn)
Royal Scots.
I!(17. 'Thursday, Apkil 12.
fjfficial intimation came to ihand that Pri-
vate George Chalmers, Royal Scots, previous-
ly reported wounded, died of woiinds, re-
ceived at the battle of Arras. He was em-
ployed in Tweedvale Mill. His mother re-
sided in Montgomery Street, Walkorburn.
He enlisted in August, 1911, and left for
France in May, 191."). He was wounded iit
Loo8, and was invMljdod Irom .shell shock.
He has another brother serving in the
K.O.S.B.
The British gained great successes later
around Arras, between April 23 and 28, on
whicdi day there was continuous fierce fight-
ing.
Nor is he dead. II© lives in Three Great
Spheres —
His soul is with Thee in Thy home above ;
His influence, with friends of former years;
His memory, with those he used to love ;
He is an emblem of that Trinity
With whom he lives in happy ectasy.
PRIVATE MARK BENSON.
(Eddleston)
Scottish Eifles.
1917. Saturday, April 11.
On April 10, 11, 12, and 13, in the year
1917, the British were engaged in a great
advance near Arras. A British attack on a
big front had been successful from Lens to
St Quentin. On the 12th and 13th, many
prisoners were taken from the Germans, and
imixirtant positions captured, including
Lievin. On the 11th several other positions
near Lens were seized by the British, and
this was the day on which fell Private Mark
Benson from the village of Eddleston. His
body was buried near Heninel, 5 miles south-
east of Arras. He left a widow and one
daughter. Mark Benson was a Yorkshire
man, who came to Scotland twenty years
before, being employed for three years at
Coldstream, and later, at Etal for ten years,
and finally for seven years at Darnhall. In
civil life he was greatly beloved for his quiet
gentlemanly demeanour, and after he fell,
hi.s Commanding Officer wrote stating how
much he was esteemed for his Ijravey and
unselfish willingness.
He did not fall in vain, and the positions
were all successfully captured on the day
that cost liini his life. Ho was forty years
of age.
My days iiiuong I lie dead aro pa.'isod,
Around mo I l)cliold
Where'er these casual eyes are cast
TMie miglily minds of old;
My never tailing friends arc tlioy,
\\\\\\ whom I converse day by day.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
81
LIEUTENANT ANDREW SOOTT
(Walkehbubn and Canada)
Canadians.
1917. Apkil 18.
Lieut. Andrew Scott, 58tli Battalion Can-
adians, serFed his apprenticeship in the ofiBce
of Henry Ballantyne & Sons, Twe«dvale
Mills, Walkerburn, and for a few years
thereafter acted as wareliouseman in Nether-
dale Mill, Galashiels. In 1911 h© emigrated
to Canada, and held a good appointment in
Trent Valley Woollen Mills, Campbellford,
Ontario. In 1915 he enlisted and received his
commission in the 139th Battalion, and came
over to England in September, 1916. Receiv-
ing a week's leave, he visited his parents in
Walkerburn, and renewed acquaintanceship
with many of his Border friends. Early in
October, he was sent to France to join the
58th Battalion on active service. In April,
1917, he met his youngest brother who had
been in France for about two years. Tihey
had not met for nearly six years, and sad
to tell, within the nest fortnight both had
paid th© supreme sacrifice. He was a keen
sportsman, and took an active interest in
cricket, bowling, curling, and cycling, and
was also a keen angler. He was also de
voted to music, and had been a member of
ahurch choirs since bis boyhood.
He was in command of his company at
Vimy Eidge, which was taken on 9tb April,
but three days latex he was severely wounded
by shrapnel, and died in General Hospital,
Boulogne, on 18th April. He was 35 years
of age, and leaves a widow and a son aged
ten. In a notice of his death, the "Campbell-
ford News," of April 26th, 1917, says :—
"Lieut. Scott was one of the battalion's best
officers, a general favourite with his fellow-
officers and well liked by the men. His sor-
rowing widow and young son have the sym-
pathy of the entire community in the great
loss they sustain in the death of a noble
husband and father."
His brother Thomas fell on April 13, 1917,
five days before him.
There, no more parting, no more pain.
The distant ones brought near,
The lost so long are found again.
Long lost, but longer dear.
Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard,
Nor iheart conceived that rest.
With them, our good things long deferred.
With Jesus Christ our best.
PRIVATE ROBERT DXJPPY
(Innerleithen)
Cameron Higklanders.
1917. Aprh 20 (Friday).
Mr Eobert Duffy, Strand, received official
iutimation that his eldest son. Private Eobert
Duffy, had been killed in action on the 20th
April. Private Duffy joined the Cameron
Highlanders, but was transferred to the Gor-
dons, and at the time of his death was with
the Eoyal Engineers. He had been in France
since Nov., 1916, and was only 20 years of
age. Prior to enlistment he worked in Caerle©
Mills. At this time the British were making
progress on the Aisne, and had a great suc-
cess on the Scarpe. On April 23 we made a
great attack near Arras, taking several posi-
tions and 1500 prisoners.
The world recedes: it disappears.
Heaven opens on my eyes. My ears
With sounds seraphic ring.
Lend, lend your wings. I mount. I fly.
Grave, Where is thy Victory?
Death, Where is thy Sting?
PRIVATE JOHN LOOIE
(Stobo)
Eoyal Scots Fusiliers.
1917. April 23.
Killed in action in France on Monday,
23rd April, 1917. Private John logie, E.S.F.,
in his 36tli year, beloved husband of Bessie
Fleming, ,Burns|ide, Stobp. Official intima-
tion was received that Private John Logie,
of the Eoyal Scots Fusiliers, had been killed
in action in France on the 23rd April. Logie
came to Stobo from the North about ten
years previously, to take up duty as a river
watcher for the proprietors in the Stobo
district. He made a wide circle of friends
in tliis neighbourhood, being muc;h liked by
all with whom he came in contact. He mar-
ried a daughter of Mr James Fleming, for-
ester, by whom and four of a family he is
survived. When the call came Logie enlist-
ed, and after some months training went to
France in the latter part of 1916. One of Ms
chums reported that he was missing after one
of the recent engagements, and after some
days of anxious suspense official notification
of his death came.
John Logie was born at Inchberry, Orton,
Morayshire, on 29th November, 1880. He waa
82
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
educated at Inciliberry Scliool and helped his
father, who was a farmer. But when his
father died, John took to salmon fishing in
the employment of the Duke of Richmond on
his Morayshire estates. In 1909, he cam©
south to take up the duties of river watcher
on Tweed, when the trout fishing here had to be
protected. This was a task which rocxuired
rare qualities of patience, tact and good
humour. For any rash word or act on his
part in dealing with bands of miners and
others who came «ither expecting to find the
river fre-e as formerly or intending to defy
the new restrictions, might too easily have
had serious consequences. But John Logie'.s
temper never failed. He did his work with
strict fidelity and yet kept on amicable
terms even with those whom he had to turn
away. When the war broke out, he was a
while in the Home Guards, and then joined
the Highland Light Infantry on ICth June,
1916. He went out to Franc-e on 1st October,
1916, and was there transferred to the Royal
Scots Fusiliers, and served through all the
fighting about Arras. On the morning of
23rd April, 1917, he was shot instantly dead
by a sniper. His remains are laid in the
cemetery of Cherisea. His mother and all
the other members of the Logie family are
now in Victoria, Canada.
Wihat matter if no sign may show
Where rests at last his honoured dust;
Whose life and death have bid us know,
Tlie strength of perfect love and trust?
'Tis ours to bear before the world.
Our part until the goal be won ;
The banner that his hands unfurled
Still flies triumphant in the sun.
CAPTAIN ROBERT M B. WELSH
(Walkekbutjn)
Boeder Regiment.
1917. ApiiiL 23 (MoND.^Y).
Robert Milne Ballantyne Welsh, Cai)taiii in
llie 7tli Battalion The Border Regiment, re-
ported missing, believed killed in action,
April 23, 1917.
Ca])tain Welsli waa at Loretlo for fivo
happy years, and got his first training in tlie
O.T.C. IJe loved his scliool, and iliougiil
lliore was iinni' dllicr like il. Aftei-wards lie
went an pupil to llir 'I'raquiiir lOslale Ollicv,
tiecauHo Ik' l(ncd a couiidy lilo and Ills licallli
required it, and was jnst finishing his second
year there when, in September, 1914, he got
his commission, and was ordered to join the
7tli Borderers at their camp at Lulworth, Dor-
set, on May 26, 1915. In the beginning of
June, 1915, the Brigade was moved to Flower
Down Camp, Winchester, and on July 14th
v.-ent out from there to the front. Soon they
were in the trenches at Ypres, and there in
September Robin got his first wound, a slight
one in the scalp. The winter in these awful
trenches, with brief intervals for rest in cel-
lars, was a severe trial to his health, and in
February, 1916, he had to spend a week or two
in a state of collapse, and with an abscess on
liis fai^e, in hospital at Etaples. After that
tiiey went to Armentieres, and later to the
Somme ofi'eiisive, where, on July 7th, he was
shot through the leg at Mametz Wood.
Eventually he arrived, with many other
wounded, at the 5th Northern General Hospi-
tal, Leicester, and when fit got home to Inner-
leithen on sick leave. While still limping he
was in September passed for " light duty,"
and sent to Conway to the 3rd (Reserve) Bat-
talion. Shortly after they moved for winter
quarters to Barrow-in-Furness, and during
his time there he had a course of instruction
at Liverpool and one in machine guns at
Grantham. He was sent back to France on
the last day of December, 1916, and never got
home again. According to reports from men
of his battalion, he was killed instantly at the
Battle of Arras at Monchy-le-Preux, but no
trace of his body has ever been found.
He had two brothers serving — Captain D.
C. Welsh, R.A.M.C, and Lieut. H. Welsh.
K.A.S.C.
" Robin was such a good, straight fellow,
and it was always a pleasure to see him, as 1
am glad to say, I did quite frequently. . .
It is hard to write to you on the loss of such
a splendid son, but there is the supreme com-
fort of knowing that this life is not every-
lliing, and that there is the glorious and
lullcr life across the other side whore part-
ings are no more.
" And for Robin's fianico, too, there will be
the awful sorrow and loss; he often spoke to
mo of her; please convey to her my deepest
sympathy too. May God comfort you all with
llio eon.solation wliich Ho alone can give."
"Did inolluM' loll you of Rol)iirs o.vcepiional
lirighl. and ol' liuw dovolrdly lio sorvod ami
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
83
read the Lessons in our little cliurch here ?
Growing retarded his education, but we saw
him develop, physically and mentally, into
splendid manhood. He had other battles to
fight, and sufifered much in his short life, but
he held to his ideals and won through — white
to the finish."
" We all deeply regret his loss. He was a
gallant and able ofiieer, and I had just recom-
mended him for a permanent commission in
the Indian Army, which he would have ob-
tained in a few weeks if he had been spared."
From Sergeant W. Carrol : — "It will be
some consolation to you to know that he died
like the soldier he was. I think that he was
one of the most respected men in the Batta-
lion. Everybody spoke well of him. He was
a gentleman, and his loss will be felt keenly
by all ranks. Now, in regard to the morning
of the 23rd Captain Welsh was in command
of D Company, and I was with C Company.
We followed with 100 yards interval. When
we got to the enemy's first line Captain Welsh
halted for a few minutes to allow our barrage
to go forward. I was standing beside him on
the parapet, and he spoke to me. After wait-
ing for about three minutes he gave the sig-
nal to advance. He shouted, ' Follow me,
boys,' and led off followed by his men, C Com-
pany advancing close behind. After going for
about three or four hundred yards, we got to
the crest, and then came under the machine
gun fire of the enemy. It was then that we
began to have casualties. Men began to fall
in dozens. I was close to Captain Welsh at
this time. We only got about a hundred yards
over the crest when Captain Welsh turned
partly round to his men. Pointing to thj
German lines with his stick, he was cheering
his men on, when he was struck by a bullet.
I only stayed with him for a minute or so
after, because the men were in front without
an offi-cer or an N.C.O., and I knew that I was
needed there. But I did what I could in the
short time before I left. It was a terrible
day; the worst in the history of the 7th Bat-
talion."
" On April 23rd, just before dawn, we
attacked; it was a three Army Corps aifair,
and our Battalion unfortunately was a first
wave between Monchy and Scarpe. We went
over with fifteen ofiicers, and of these twelve
were posted ' missing believed killed,' two
were wounded, and one returned."
To Odin's challenge we cried Amen.
We staid the plough, and laid ))y the pen.
And we shouldered our guns like gentlemen.
That the wiser weak should hold.
Blood on the land, and blood on the sea,
So it stands as ordained to be,
Stamp, and signet, and guarantee
Of the better ways we knew.
Time for the plough when the sword has won ;
The loom will wait on the crashing gun.
And the hands of peace drop benison
When the task of death is through.
Then lift tJie flag of the Last Crusade.
And fill the ranks of the Last Brigade.
March on the fields where the world's remade.
And the Ancient Dreams come true.
SERGEANT E. J. COLE
(Eddleston)
13th Eotal Scots.
1917. Apeil 25 (Wednesday).
He was in the Edinburgh Territorials, 5th
Eoyal Scots, and went through the landing at
Gallipoli with this regiment in February,
1915. He was wounded at Suvla Bay in June,
1915, afterwards getting home to England,
and later was sent to France in August, 1916,
when he was transferred" to the 13th Royal
Scots. He went through all the Somme
battles, and it was during the Arras spring
offensive of 1917 that he was struck, and died
of his wounds. It was on a Monday morning,
23rd April, that his regiment went over the
top, and immediately on getting over his
officer was killed, and I heard all particulars,
that Sergeant Cole was leading the men,
and while doing this he was shot in the leg.
However, he managed to creep to a shell-hole
with several others for shelter until they
could be picked up, but while lying waiting
shells were bursting all over them, and he was
struck on the head by a piece of shell which
caused his death. The fighting was so bad
that a party could not be sent for them, and
he lay for a day and night, and it was on the
hospital train in France that he died on 25th
April, 1917, The sister on the train wrote a
84
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
very nice letter telling of his death, and that
he only lived a very short time after being
brought on the train. His major, who was
Major Mitchell, of Bannockburn House,
Bannockburn, also wrote a beautiful letter,
telling what a fine soldier Sergeant Cole made;
keen in all his work, and a great favourite,
being a great sportsman, and a leading
member in their football team.
We do not weep for all the wounds.
And Death that comes to yours and ours:
We do not fear the scythe that mows
These fields of brave and precious flowers:
For, on the Altars of each Race,
Since time was young, we laid the price
Of Honour and of Fearlessness,
For the Commonweal — our Sacrifice.
PRIVATE W. LIND
(Skibling)
EoTAi, Engineees and Eotal Beekshiee
Eegiment.
1917. Apeil 28 (Satuedat).
Private Lind enlisted in the Royal Engineers
on the 30th June, 1916, and was at Aldershot
for six months. From there he was sent to
France. After he had been at the base for
two weeks he was transferred to the Royal
Berkshire Eegiment. He went into the
trenches in the first week in February, and
was in and out of them until he was killed on
the 28th April, 1917, when he was reported
missing, and a year after he was presumed to
have been killed on that date, as nothing
more was seen or heard of him. We do not
know of any battles he was in, except the big
push at Arras on the 9th April, and at the
same place after. He was a jolly, good-heart-
ed fellow, and a good husband and loving
father to his five children, of whom two have
died since.
When you fell, at duty's call.
Your fame it glittered high
As leaves of the sombre Fall
Grow brighter though they die.
Men of the silent hands,
Men of the lialf-told days,
Lift up your sixictro Iiands
And tuko our heart-bouquets,
PRIVATE ROBERT LAWTON
(Inneeleithen and Dolphinton)
Eotal Scots.
1917. Apeil 28 (Saturday).
Other three St Eonan's lads are reported to
have made the supreme sacrifice. The sad
news of Private Robert Lawton's death reach-
ed his grandfather at Caerlee Cottages on
Sunday night. His companion, writing to his
friends in Galashiels, said that he had been
wounded by the bullet which caused Private
Lawton's death. Prior to enlistment in Nov-
ember, 1915, Private Lawton was a gardener
on Garvald estate, Dolphinton. He joined the
Eoyal Scots, and was trained in Selkirk, leav-
ing for France in July, 1916. He took part in
the Somme battle, and was afterwards in-
valided home, suffering from a bad throat.
On recovery, he was again drafted to France,
and had only been in the trenches six weeks.
He was killed on the 28th April, and was 20
years of age. He was the son of the late Mr
John Lawton, house painter.
During the whole of March and April there
was terrible fighting. On the 16th April had
begun the Second Battle of the Aisne between
Soissons and Eheims. A secondary battle at
Moronvillers began on the 17th. On the 20th
the British captured Gonuelieu, and on the
following day gained ground east of Fampoux.
On the 22nd and 23rd the British captured
Trescault and the greater part of Havrincourt
Wood, which marked the second phase be-
ginning of the Battle of Arras. Severe figh<>
ing followed from Croisilles to north of Gav-
relie, which continued on the succeeding days.
On the 28th when Privates Lind and Lawton
and Mathieson fell, the British made a thrust
east of Vimy, and captured Arleux, making
further progress north-east of Gavrelle.
It I am taken from this patchwork life
By some swift out-thrust of an unseen arm —
The death that strikes my comrades day and
night —
I pray you make of it no cause for tears,
I beg of you grieve not for me overmuch.
And for your comfort J would pen this
thought —
The joy you had of me in childhood's years
When in your arms I played, or cried, or
prayed
Will still remain with you when 1 am gone.
It is so real now, that memory:
Not death itself can rob you of your boy.
i'KivATE 'iiio.\[AS Scott,
Walkeeburn.
PkIVATE MaEK BENbON,
Eddleston.
Peivate George Chaljiers,
Walkeeburn.
Lieutenant Andrew Scott,
Walkeeburn and Canada.
I'llIVATli TlIO.MAS UiiNJJEKSON,
Ts'ailzie and Thaquaik.
LANCii-'l'oia'uuAi. Jajies ThuiMSUn,
I^NElll.ElTHIiN.
I'lllVAIl. AlJ'.XANJll.U Ami),
Wai-keubuun.
i'i;i V A'l I'J 'I'liii < 'a.mI';i!iin,
jManou.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
85
PRIVATE WILLIAM MATHISON
(Innerleithen)
16th Royal Scots.
1917. Missing Since Saturday, April 28.
Mr Thomas Matliison, Cliambers Street,
Innerleithen, received news that his son,
Private William Matliison, Royal Scots, had
been missing^ since 28tih April. The sad news
was sent by his Captain. Private Mathison
enlisted in November, 1914. After training,
he went to France in January, 1916, and was
home on furlough at Christmas. Before en-
listment, he served his time as a gardener
at Glen, and was working at Carberry Tower,
Musselburgh, Lord Elphinstone's seat. His
brother, John, of the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, was in hospital at Woking,
Surrey, suffering from gun-shot wounds in
the right leg, received in action in France
on the 12th April. John was also wounded
in July, 1916. He saw considerable active
service since joining the colours in Septem-
ber, 1914, and was drafted to France in
May, 1915. Before joining up he was em-
ployed as a gamekeeper on Glen estate.
" We both had a great regard for William
Mathison. He served my husband very de-
votedly always, and when the war should be
over, my husband hoped that he would still
continue in his service. William was most
loyal and trustworthy, and he and my
husband went through many hard times to-
gether. I have had much sorrow in this
dreadful war, and I feel very much for you
who have lost your fine son, and I know that
you must hav© been very proud of him.
Like my husband, .he also has laid down his
life for his country and that our homes may
be kept safe from the enemy.
No, let me taste the whole of it, fare like
my peers,
The heroes of old.
Bear the brunt, in a minute pay glad life's
arrears
Of pain, darkness and cold.
For sudden, the worst turns the best to the
brave.
The black minute's at end.
PRIVATE PATRICK McCRAN
(Manor and Stobo)
Royal Scots.
1917. May 1 (Tuesday).
He was aged twenty when he fell, and was
born at Wester Happrew in Stobo. The
British had captured German trenches south
of Oppy, east of Vimy Ridge; and on May
Day two heavy enemy counter-attacks south
of Moronvilliers failed.
Fighting for the Pride of Old Folk, and the
people that you know:
And the girl you left behind you (ah the time
is passing slow).
For the proud tears of a sister : come yon
back, or never come.
And the weary Elder Brother looking after
things at home —
Fighting hard. You lucky Devils.
Fighting hard.
PRIVATE THOMAS HENDERSON
(Kailzie and Traquair)
King's Own Scottish Borderers.
1917. May.
Killed in action in France, Private Thomas
Henderson, K.O.S.B., aged 19 years, Kailzie
Mains.
On the 2nd of May the enemy raids in the
Champagne and Moronvilliers region were
beaten back. On th© 3rd of May the British
made a great attack east of Arras on a twelve
mile front and broke through the Hinden-
burg switch at Qiieant; progress was made
also at Cberisy and Fontaine Wood. During
April, almost 20,000 prisoners were taken by
the British.
Life. We've been long together.
Through pleasant and through cloudy
weather :
'Tis hard to part when friends are dear —
Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear :
Then steal away, give little warning,
Choose thy own time :
Say not Good-night— but in some brighter
clime.
Bid me Good Morning.
86
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE ALEXANDER AIRD
(Walkerbuen)
Royal Scots.
1917. May 6.
Private Alexander Aird was aged 39 when
he fell in action near Arras, on Sunday, the
Ctli of May, 1917. His body was interred at
Duisans, four miles from Arras.
His family belong to Walkerburn, which
place he left seventeen years before he fell;
he being employed in Tweedholm Mill there.
After leaving that place, Alexander Aird
went to the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale
Society at ShieUlhall, where be lield the
position of foreman in the despatch depart-
ments. He enlisted under the Derby Scheme,
and was called to the army on the 9th of
August, 1916. After three months' training
at Glencorse he crossed to France on Nov-
ember 13, and went into action on Decem-
ber 5. Nothing is known as to the various
engagements in which he took part, as no
communications arrived either from com-
rades or officers. Official intimation came to
his wife that he had died of wounds on the
6th of May as mentioned above. His age
was 39. He left a widow and two children.
Strong men fast asleep
With coverlets wrought of clay,
Do soft dreams o'er you creep
Of friends who are here to-day .^
Do you know, O men low lying
In the hard and cliilly bed,
That we, the slowly dying.
Are giving a day to the dead?
Do you know that sighs for your deaths
Across our heart-strings play.
E'en from the last faint breaths
Of the sweet-lipped month of May?
LANCE-CORPORAL JAMES THOMSON
(Innebleithen)
1917. Wednesday, May 9.
His parents had received official intimation
that he was killed on May 9, 1917, in a night
bombardment. He was an apprentice
plumber with Eumnn & Co., Innerleithen.
He joined in July, 1916, and after a few
months' training, went to France. He had
seen much active .service and had been in
many eng<igements. He had an elder and a
younger brother serving. They resided at
Hall Street, Wiilkerl)urn, before coming to
Innerloitlien. lie w;i« liiglily ros])octed by
officers and iiicii, ami ici-eivcd his promolioii
in France.
On the previous days, there had been
iierce counter German attacks, by which some
ground gained by the British had been re-
taken by the enemy. And on the 9th, when
Corporal Thomson fell, a German attack on
the Chemin des Dames, as well as on Craonne
and Corbeny failed
Nature deals with us, and takes away
Our playthings one by one, and by the hand
Leads us to rest so gently, that we go.
Scarce knowing if we wish to go or stay ;
Being too full of sleep to understand
How far the Unknown transcends the what
we know.
PRIVATE TOM CAMERON
(Manor)
5th (Lochiel's) Cameeons.
1917. Friday, May 11.
This gallant young soldier passed away on
the 11th of May, 1917, in the Seventh Can-
adian Hospital in France, as the result of
wounds. He was a-ged 23 years, and was the
son of Donald and Thomasina Cameron, who
lived formerly at Barns and at Neidpath.
He was one of the patriotic " Contemptibles''
who enlisted early in August, 1914, in the
5th Battalion (Locliiers) Camerons. On
three occasions he was wounded ; the last
resulting in the loss of his arm, from the
effects of which he passed away at Staples.
He was highly esteemed, both by his em-
ployers and comrades; he was a member of
the Church of Scotland and of the Young
Men's Guild. When Tom Cameron fell,
there had been a great deal of fighting
around Arras, with much giving and taking.
On the 11th, ground had been lost and re-
taken, but on til© 12th, there were British
successes with much ground and many
prisoners taken.
And wild and high the " Cameron's Gather-
ing " rose,
The war-note of Locliiel, which Albyn'r; hills
Have heard, and heard, too, her Saxon
foes —
How in the noon of nigiht that pibroch
thrills.
Savage and shrill. Hut willi the breath
which fills
Tlicir niountaiii-pipo, tO fills tho mountaineers
With tile fierce native daring which instils
The .stirring .memory of a thousand years.
And Hvan's and Donald's famo rings in each
clansman's ears.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
87
PRIVATE IRVINE SCOTT
(Walkeeburn)
RoTAL Scots.
1917. Mat 11 (Friday).
I'rivate Irvine Scott, of the 12th Batt.
Royal Scots, joined up in the year 1914. He
went to France in 1915, and was wounded
twice. He was invalided home and returned
in 1917 to the front. He was again wounded
on the 28th April from which wounds he died
on 11th May, 1917, at General Hospital,
Dannes-Causers. He is interred at Etapl^
Militarj' Cemetery, Boulogne. He was the
son of Mary Scott, Jubilee Road, Walkerburn,
and served his time with James Dalziel &
Co., Walkerburn, as a powerloom tuner. He
was 24 years of age.
Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Then He went through before:
He that unto God's Kingdom comes
Must enter by His door.
My knowledge of that life is small.
The eye of faith is dim:
But 'tis enough that Christ knows all
And I shall be with Him.
(Richard Baxter).
PRIVATE JOHN BRUNTON
(Eddleston)
Seafoeth Highlanders.
1917. Mat 13.
On April 24, 1917, the Germans captured
Villers-Bretonneux. and advanced towards
Kemmel Hill, near Ypres. On the 26th they
captured Kemmel Hill. On the 9th of May
the Germans were repulsed at Vormezeele,
south-west of Ypres, and on the 13th of the
same month they again suffered a severe de-
feat at Kleine Vierstraiat, also near Ypres ;
and on that day died of wounds received
in action on April 25, Private John Brun-
ton, Seaforth Highlanders, youngest son of
the late Thomas Brunton, who lived at Ship-
law, Eddleston, and of Mrs Brunton, Brown-
ligg. North Berwick. He joined the Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders in March, 1916,
and went out to France in August, 1916. Id
March, 1917, he was transferred to the Sea-
forth Highlanders; and on the 25th of April
he was admitted to hospital suffering from a
serious shrapnel wound in the chest, and
thrombosis in the left foot. All efforts to save
the foot were tried, but it was found neces-
sary at last to amputate. He gradually grew
worse, and passed away on Sunday, the 13th
of May, 1917. He was always of a bright and
cheerful disposition, and he maintained his
happy disposition to the last day.
0, Earth, so full of dreary noises !
men, with wailing in your voices !
delved gold, the wallers' heap !
strife, curse, that o'er it fall!
God makes a silence through you all—
And " giveth His beloved sleep."
PTE. ALEX. W. LOCKIE
(Pebbles and Newlands)
Royal Scots.
1917. May 14.
No. 351381, Pte. Alex. W. Lockie, 16th Batt.
Royal Scots, previous to enlisting was employed
as a roadman in the Noblehouse district of New-
lands Parish. He enlisted in Nov., 1915, with
the 9th Royal Soots, and went to France in
March, 1916. He was wounded in October,
1916, and sent to Bellahouston Hospital, Glas-
gow. He returned to France in March, 1917, and
transferred to the 16th Batt. Royal Scots. He
was wounded and taken prisoner on 28th April
of that year, and officially reported to have died
on Monday, 14th May, said to be caused by the
loss of his right arm, in the prisoners' of war
Hospital at Charleroi, Belgiiim, and to have
been buried in the cemetery at that place. He
was 22 years of age; born at Peebles Oct., 1894.
Oh 1 The bitterness accruing
To our women's hearts.
King and Country still remember
Graves in foreign parts, —
Far beyond the Cross of Weeping
And the burning heart.
God of Battles. Jesu Mercy.
God of Life Thou art.
COMPANY SERGT.-MAJOR THOMAS
HENSHILWOOD
(BROuanTON and Skirling)
Black Watch.
1917. May 16
Sgt. -Major Thos. Henshilwood, fourth son of
the late Geo. HensJiilwood, Skirling, and of
Mi's HeiiBhilwood, Moissfemian Cottage, Brough-
88
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
ton, was born in Skirling, and educated there
and at Biggar High School.
He commenced his apprenticeship as a gar-
dener at Castlecraig, then occupied and owned
by Lord Carmichael. Afterwards he acted as
gardener at Bonnington House, Dalkeith
Palace, and Dysart House.
He joined the 10th Black Watch in Septem-
ber, 1914, and during training was speedily pro-
moted to Sergeant. In November, 1915, he was
sent to France with a draft, and after opera-
tions in the Somme Valley proceeded to Salonica,
He was promoted Coy. Sergt-Major, and was
offered a commission, which he did not accept.
All went well with him until June, 1917,
when a letter was received from Lieut. Phillips
saying that he greatly regretted having to send
information fhat Coy. Sergt. -Major Henshil-
wood was reported missing after an attack on
the enemy lines on a night in May.
When he was last seen he was doing his duty
nobly, encouraging his men on. Unfortunately
" A " Company was in the firing line, and lost
very heavily, including the Company Com-
mander, Capt. Niool, who was with the Sergt.-
Major when Lieut. Phillips saw him last.
This is ^ great loss to the Company, where
his services were highly appreciated by both
officers and his brother N.C.O.'s.
Other information was sent through a Scots-
man who was in the same company to the effect
that the Bulgarians came down on them un-
awares in a mist, and on retreating Sergt. -Major
Henshilwood was seen lying wounded in the
leg, his Commander lying dead beside him. On
returning to pick up the wounded it was found
that the Sergeant-Major was gone.
Deep sympathy is felt for his widowed mother,
who also mourns the loss of her son-in-law,
Private George Ireland.
Ah I Seek them not where sleep the dead,
Ye may not find their trace :
No graven etone is on their bed.
No flowers their slumbers grace.
But wild and unknown is their silent grave,
It may be the woods, or the cold sea-wave.
Or a lonely desert-place :
For they needed no prayers, and no mourning
bell,
'iheir louib is the earth that Ihoy served so well.
PRIVATE JOHN GOODFELLOW
(Tweedsmdie)
EoYAL Scots
1917. Ma-x 19 (Saturday).
Efe belonged originally to Ettrick, and was a
shepherd. Three years previously he came to
Talla reservoir as a workman there, and
early in 1915 he volunteered for service
abroad with the Royal Scots. A quiet, kind-
ly, steady lad, he had many friends in the
district, who are grieved to hear the sad news
from the trenches.
John Goodfellow, true to his name, was one
of those gallant Border shepherds who, after the
tradition of the Tweeddale Highlands, was
eager for the foray. All the more did he thirst
for the fight when the existence of the Empire
and of his beloved Tweeddale was threatened by
the Hun. He left his crook and his sheep by
Ettrick and Talla, and exchanging the plaid for
the khaki, set forth to do his bit. In the end
he did his all 1
Eest on your battle-field, thou brave,
Let the pines murmur o'er your grave.
Your dirge be in the morning wave —
We call you back no more.
Oh, there was mourning when you fell.
In your own vale a deep-toned knell,
An agony, a wild farewell —
But that hath long been o'er.
Eest with your still and solemn fam© :
The hills keep record of your name,
And never can a touch of shame
Darken the buried brow.
PRIVATE JOHN LAW VflLSON
(Drumelzier, Tweedsmoir, Broughton)
EoYAL Scots.
1917. May 25 (Saturday).
He was the son of Mr Benjamin Wilson,
shepherd, Kingledoors.
He was educated at Tweedsmuir Public
School, and was in course of training as an
engineer.
In his 18th year he joined the Eoyal Scots,
and at 20 has given himself heroically for his
country.
An anxious scholar and a dutiful eon, exhi-
biting ideals of life not always to be four(d in
one sa young, Jolm Wilson was a general
favourite with his fellow-pupils, a<a well as with
^.. naw
Private Ibvine Scott,
Wai.kt^rburn.
Peivate Alex. W. Lockie,
Peebies and Newi-ands.
Private John Briinton,
Eddleston.
Company Sergt. -Major Thomas HENsniTAvoori,
Broughtox ani> Sk:;->.t,ing.
Pbivate John Goodfellow,
TWEEDSMUrR.
Private John Law Wii-son,
DHUjrELZiEK. Tweedsmttit;, BkOT'GHTOX.
■
p
^
m
|M
^^^^Hb.^,^
^
r
Ckivati; I(oi:i 1(1 MrnNS I,mm(ii-:
StoISO and ArsTHAMA.
SlCONl)-! .1 KITKNANT llhiNltY 'PkNN ANT.
TllAQUAIH.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
89
those who were his seniors; and the announce-
ment of his death on the field of battle evoked
yreat regret and deep sympathy for his parents,
of whom he was their only child.
Killed in action on the 25th May, 1917, Pri-
vate John Law Wilson, Eoyal Scots, aged 20,
only ison of Benjamin and Mrs Wilson, Kingle-
doors, Broughton.
This gallant young lad joined the army at the
beginning of the war, on the 10th December,
1914, and would net have been eighteen years
of age until the 28th of January, 1915. He
went into the offensive on Easter morning,
the 9th of April, 1917, and engaged in two very
severe battles at that time. The third battle
that he fought in was less severe, as his very
last letter stated. It was dated the 23rd May
(two days before he fell), and in it he
said — "Still in the trenches, but having an easy
time." On coining out of his second battle,
there were left but three only out of the draft he
went out with. Referring to his last engage-
ment, his of&cer eaid that John was killed in-
stantaneously by a shell while gallantly fighting
on the Scarpe, near to Arras, and that his loss
was keenly felt by all his comrades. He was a
machine-gunner in the Second Ninth Eoyal
Scots. " My boy was a good boy, loved and
adored by all who knew him, and his death was
a great blow to his parents, as he was our only
boy." He did not fight long, only from the 9th
of April, 1917, until the 25th of May.
So be my passing.
My task accomplished and the long day done.
My wages taken, and in my heart
Some late lark singing.
Let me be gathered to the quiet West,
The sundown splendid and serene,
Death.
PRIVATE ROBERT BURNS LAURIE
(Stobo and Australia)
35th Battalion (9th Brigade), Australian
Imperial Force.
• 1917. June 12.
He was the great-grandson of a Stobo man,
the late Mr Joseph Laurie, who was born
at Stobo Quarry, and whose son became the
pioneer of the town of Laurieton, N.S.W.
Robert Burns Laurie was the third to fall
of the patriotic Stobo-Australian clan. Mr
J. B. Itaurie, of Laurieton, North Coast, re-
ceived word from the military authorities
that his son, Priviate Robert Burns Lawrie,
died at No. 2 Clearing Station (Australian)
from gunshot wounds in the head on Tues-
day, 12tih June, 1917.
He was in his 20th year, and was born in
Laurieton, and lived there all his life. He
was a grandson of the pioneer of the town,
Mr Joseph Laurie, who was the first man to
introduce New South Wales hard woods in-
to overseas markets in 1888.
Before enlisting he was a student at the
Teachers' College. He ©nlisted on Empire
Day, 1916, and had been three months in
France when he met his death. He spent
part of his furlough in Peebles before going
to the front. Mortally wounded at Messines,
aged 20 years and 9 months A tree in mem-
ory of him has been planted in Main Street,
Laurieton.
Private Robert Burns Laurie was a great
grandson of Joseph Lawrie, who left Peebles-
sihire with his wife and six sons for Aust-
ralia in the year 1838; his daughter, Mrs
J. Higgins, having preceded them a year
previously. Joseph Laurie, the late soldier's
grandfather, after a fairly successful career,
chiefly in timber pursuits in New South
Wales, paid a visit to Peebles in 1886, and
again in 1888. The latter visit was for the
purpose of introducing Australian hard woods
into the British and Continental markets,
thus becoming the pioneer of the large and
lucrative trade in tlhat commodity now being
carried on with those countries.
Private Laurie was a son of Joseph Laurie,
who now resides at Laurieton, the eawmill-
ing town named after his father, and was
born at that place.
Shortly after hostilities coimmenoed, he
expressed a desire to go to the front, but
failed to gain his father's consent on ac-
count of his youth. He afterwards passed
examinations admitting him into the Public
Instruction Depot as a school teacher. After
a period of training in the Teachers' Col-
lege, he again heard the call of duty, and
once more approached his father, and suc-
ceeded on that occasion in gaining consent.
He sailed for the front early in October,
1916, but did not arrive in England until
January, the voyage occupying thirteen
weeks, owing to the danger from submar-
ines. On arrival in England, he obtained
four days' leave, two of which were spent in
Peebles, with the family of Mr J. S. Thorn-
90
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
son, who are relatives. In a letter to his
father, he stated that the two happiest
days of his life were those spent in Peebles,
where, in company of Mr Thomson, he visit-
ed many of the places so dear to his fore-
fathers. It was his great wish and inten-
tion, if he had lived to see the end of the
war, to pay an extended visit to Ayrshire,
the home of that great Scotsman whose
name he was so proud to bear; but a high-
er power has decreed otherwise. Although
a young Australian of the second generation,
and twelve thousand miles of ocean divided
his birth-place from that of his fathers, he
was always proud of his Scottish descent,
and like the great race from which he sprung,
patriotism and intense love of country were
his strong points. All who knew him were
unanimously of the opinion that it was no
mere love of adventure which prompted
him to offer his all for his country, but a
stern sense of duty.
Private Laurie finally left England in
April, 1917. After being engaged in several
minor engagements in France, he proceeded
to Messines, where he went into the
trenches for the last time on June 5th.
After the firing of the great mine, which
almost shook France to its foundations, he
went over the top on the morning of the
6th. This battle was one of the fiercest in
which Australians were engaged during the
war, and lasted for five or six days. Private
Laurie's battalion had been fighting almost
continually for the whole time, when on
the 11th a long range shell exploded in a
shell hole in which he and three comrades
were sheltering. Two were killed outright,
and Private Laurie was so severely wounded
that he died in the clearing station the fol-
lowing day, at the age of 20 years and 9
months. The sole surviver of the four was
Private J. Montgomery, also a native of
Laurieton, who sent particulars of bis son's
death to his father, and who has since also
paid a visit to Peebles. The late soldier's
remains were laid to rest in "Trois Artres,"
British Cemetery, France, with full mili-
tary honours on June 13th, 1917.
The battle of Arras was now drawing to
a close. On Sunday, 3rd Juno, our out-
posts were attacked. On the 5th, we won
the power station .south of the Souclicz
river; on tlic Gdi, wo look a mile of the en-
emy position north of the Scarpo. On the
evening of the 6tli June, ninteen mines were
wiEtiting for zero hour. From Hill 60 in the
north, to the edge of Messines, nineteen
volcanoes suddenly leaped to heaven on the
7th June. Then every British gun opened
on the enemy. Terrible fighting ensued, with
great gains to us, which we cleared up on
the 8th. By the 14th of June the whole of
the German positions north of the Lys had
fallen into our hands. These operations, ex-
tending over many days, constituted the
battle of Messines. On the 14th, we carried
the enemy lines on the crest of Infantry
Hill south-east of Arras. On th© 15th, we
took a sector of the Hindenburg line north-
east of BuUecourt. On the 24th, the North
J\[idland Division carried Hill 65, soutJi-west
of Lens. On the 26th, the Canadians took
La Coulotte, and on th© morning of the
28th, were in the outskirts of Avion. We
gained all our objectives.
You seek a boy.'' For all the millions dying.
Who drown at sea, or landwiard fighting
fall,
The winds have heard th© voice of women
crying,
" Where is my love who, dying, takes my
all.?"
When kings and captains die, the world
regrets them ;
My boy was proud to serve the self same
State ;
Proud though he died, and all but I forget
him,
I will not grudge him, for the cause was
great.
SECOND-LIEUTENANT HENRY
TENNANT
(Tbaquaie)
Dragoon Guards and Egyal Flying Cori's.
1917. Mat 27.
Socond-Lioutcnanl Henry Tennant, Dragoon
Guards and Royal Flying Corps, who was killed
on the 27th of May, 1917, aged 19, was the
eldest son of Mr H. J. Tennant. He was
educated at Eton, and leaving school on
tlie declaration of war, he entered Sand-
hurst; was afterwards gazetted to the Scots
Greys, and joined the Royal Plying Corps
in 1915. On May 27tli, 1910, ho was serious-
ly injiuod in a flying accident, luit on re-
covering in January, 1917, ho rejoined the
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance
91
R.F.C, and after acting for a sliort period
as instructor, lie left for the front on Easter
Day.
His squadron Commander wrote of him : —
" He was getting: on splendidly and had
carried out some most successful artillery
observation. He w;is very keen, and we
were all fond of him.''
The Colonel commanding the Greys wrote :
— "I was specially proud of him, for his
squadron commander and all his brother
officers in the Flying Corps spoke so very
highly of his courage, ability, and person-
ality. The sergeant major of the squadron
. . . told me that the whole squadron
looked upon him as one of the most promis-
ing officers they had. He has died a credit
to his country, and the Greys and I can
give no man a higher testimonial than
this."
He has out^soared the shadow of our night :
Envy and calumny and hate and pain,
Aiid that unrest which men. miscall delight
Can touch him not and torture not again :
From the contagion of the world's slow stain
He is secure, and now caix never mourn
A heart gi'own cold, a head grown grey in vain :
Nor, when the Spirit's self has ceased to burn.
With sparkless ashes load an unlamented urn.
GUNNER ANDREW STEWART
(Tbaquaik)
12th Heavy Battery, Eoyal Gareison
Artillery.
1917. July 12 (Thursday).
Andrew Stewart was employed with Mrs
Clark Cooper, Orchard Mains House, Tra-
quair, Innerleithen, as head gardener for 8i
years prior to enlistment in June, 1916.
Official particulars are as follows : — Regi-
mental No. 95273; rank, gunner; name, An-
drew Stewart; regiment, 12th Heavy Battery,
E.G.A.
He was killed in action on the 12th of
July, 1917, and buried in Belgian Battery
Corner, Military Cemetery, one mile south-
west of Tpres.
For some days there had been heavy
fighting on the Aisne, but the German at-
tacks were repulsed. The British line was
then stlightly advanqed on the Messines
front. On the 10th, after intense bombard-
ment, the Germans gained ground to the
east of the mouth of the Yser (Nieuport),
and cut off and destroyed parts of two Brit-
ish battalions, taking over a thousand prison-
ers. But the British counter attack drove
the Germans from the advanced positions
gained near Lombaertzyde. In the follow-
ing day the German attacks were repulsed.
So lone and cold they lie; but we.
We still have life; we may still greet
Our pleasant friends in home and street;
We still have life, are able still
To climb the turf of Cademuir hill.
To see the placid sheep go by.
To hear the sheep-dog's eager cry.
To feel the sun, to taste the rain,
To smell the autumn's scents again
Beneath the brown and gold and red
Which old October's brush has spread.
To hear the robin in the lane,
To look upon the Scottish sky.
LIEUT. ARCHIBALD B. MILLER
(Kirkued)
King's Own Scottish Bordeeees
(Attached Royal Flying Corps)
1917. July 13.
Lieutenant Archibald William Buchanan
Miller, K.O.S.B. (att. R.F.C), formerly re-
ported missing, Friday, July 13th, 1917, now
believed killed (says the "Court Journal"),
was the younger son of the Rev. T. D. and
Mrs Miller, of Kirkurd, Peeblesshire. He
was educated at Fettes College, where he
acquitted himself with distinction, and
played in the 1st XI. and the 1st XV. He
entered Sandhurst in 1914, and was gazetted
to the 1st Battalion of the King's Own Scot-
tish Borderers. On attaining his nineteenth
year, June 21st, 1915, he was sent as Sec-
ond-Lieutenant in command of a large draft
to the Dardanelles, and was promoted full
Lieutenant. After the evacuation ho served
with his regiment in France as adjutant.
In 1916 Lieutenant Miller received a com-
mission in the Eoyal Flying Corps. A fellow-
officer writes of him : — " We used to love it
when he came ' stunting ' over us either at
work or in the evening. We all thought him
extraordinarily courageous, and he could
do almost anything with the machine. I
92
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
suppose you know tliat lie was recommended
for the Military Cross for doing several good
things over the line." Another officer writes :
— " His career in the infantry was very mer-
itorious, his career in the Flying Corps was
brilliant. He is a great loss to all who
knew him." " All who knew him say as a
soldier and an airman he was absolutely
fearless." Lieutenant Miller was a grand-
son of the late Thomas Miller, Esq., LL.D.,
r.R.S.B., Eector of Perth Academy, and of
the latei Alexander Grant, Esq., of Monks-
town, Co. Cork, and a grand nephew of the
late General Sir Archibald Galloway, K.C.B.,
Chairman of the Honourable East India
Company. His elder brother, Lieutenant
Thomas Alexander Grant Miller, 1st Bat-
talion, K.O.S.B., fell at the landing on
Gallipoli, on April 25, 1915.
You had died fighting, fighting against odds,
Such as in war the gods
Aetherial dared when all the world was
young
Such fighting as blind Homer never sung.
Nor Hector nor Achilles ever knew;
High in the empty blue.
High, high, above the clouds, against the
setting sun.
The fight was fought and your great task
was done.
A soaring death, and near to Heaven's gate;
Beneath the very walls of Paradise.
Surely with soul elate.
You heard the destined bullet as you flew,
And surely your prophetic spirit knew,
That you had well deserved the shining fate.
PRIVATE PETER FAIRBAIRN
(Mange)
RoTAii Scots.
1917. July 1G (Monday).
Intimation reached Mrs Pairbairn, Cross-
houses, Manor, from Prance, that her hus-
band, Private Peter Pairbairn, Royal Scots,
had died from pneumonia. He was a dyker
on Barns estate. He leaves a widow and
three children. Died 16th July, 1917, at 55th
Casualty Clearing Station, France. Buried
at Tincourt, 4J miles east o{ I'eronno. He
enlisted 15tih Juno, 1910, and was nine
munthu in France. His age was 40 years.
The breezy call of incense-breathing morn,
The swallow twittering from the straw-
built shed.
The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing
horn.
No more shall rouse them from their low-
ly bed.
For them no more the blazing hearth shall
burn.
Or busy housewife ply her evening care;
No cihildren run to lisp their sire's return.
Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share.
PRIVATE WILLIAM BRUCE HIGGINS.
(Stobo and Australia)
SOth Battalion, 5th Division, A.I.F.
1917. July 19.
Great grandson of Joseph Laurie, of Raw-
donvale, Gloucester. Reported missing on
the 19th July, 1917, at Fromelles, Fleur-
baix, France, aged 20 years. Son of Tliomas
Lavers Higgins of Heatherdale, Gloucester.
Who is a son of John Higgins, Jnn.; a son
of John Higgins, sen. ; and his wife, Janet,
a daughter of Joseph Laurie, the patriarch.
This is another of the band of 26 gallant
Stobo-Australians who came over and fought
in defence of the Mother Country and Em-
pire. He is one of the heroic six who did
not return. All were descendants of Joseph
Laurie, who left Stobo in 183qp->
Of all your brave adventures this the last
The bravest was and best;
Meet ending to a long embattled past,
This swift, triumphant, fatal quest,
Crowned with the wreath that never
perisheth.
And diadem of honourable death;
Swift death aflame witdi offering supreme
And mighty sacrifice.
More than all mortals dream.
PRIVATE WILLIAM ADDISON
(Skirling)
Royal Scots.
1917. July 22 (Sunday)
Sailed for Salonika about the beginning of
September, 1916, and then reiwrted missing
on the 22ad July, 1917, after an early morn-
ing raid on a village among the hills.
Other five men were reported missing along
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
93
with ihim. Except for a letter from the
Chaplain that is all the information we
could get. He was a ploughman by occupa-
tion. He was always in places up to eleven
years, when tis father died, and then he
was required at liome. He was a great fav-
ourite in his own village, as he always had
a kind word for old and young. He is great-
ly missed.
At dawn on the 31st of July the whole
Allied front broke into flame. Under cover
of such a barrage as had not yet been seen,
the infantry crossed the parapets, and tihe
battle began. The whole of the German
position fell at once — Steenstraate, Mai-tin-
puiche, and Feuchy, all fell. By nine, the
whole of the second position, north of West-
hoek, was in the Allies' hands. St Julien
was entered ; and Pommern Eedoubt was
won. By the evening we had carried the
whole of the German first line ; and had
gained the whole of the first ridge. We had
taken parts of the German second line, and
had gone beyond it north of St Julien. For
the first four days and nigihts of August,
rain fell without intermission. This entire-
ly frustrated our well-laid plans, and great-
ly assisted the enemy. The misery of our
troops in waterlogged shellholes and trenches
cannot be pictured. For a fortnight we had
to hold our hand. We had to withdraw
from St Julien, but reoccupied it on 3rd
August. On 10th August we took tlie whole
of Westhoek. In the middle of the month
there was a short break in the storm, wihich
permitted Sir Douglas Haig to renew the
attack, on a line running from the Lens-
Bethune Road to the Bois Hugo. On the
15th of August the Canadians swept over
Hill 70, which we had given up after the
battle of I</oos, and -captured many positions.
The next day, the 16th August, saw the sec-
ond stage of the Ypres battle. Desperate
fighting continued over many days, and the
month ended in one long down-pour of rain.
On the 19th, 22nd, and 27th, we made a
few small gains. This second stage of the
battle was a serious British clieck. W© had
not yet been able to cope with the new
German defences, called piU-boxes, concrete
forts.
No gate of pearl, no branch of palm I merit,
Nor street of shining gold.
Suffice it, if, my good and ill unreckoned,
And both forgiven, through Thy abounding
grace.
I find myself by hands familiar beckoned
Unto my fitting place.
Some humble door among Thy many
mansions.
Some sheltering shade where sin and striving
cease,
Ami flows forever through Heaven's green
expansions
The river of Tthy peace.
There from the music round about me
stealing,
I fain would learn a new and holy song.
And find at last, beneath Thy trees of
healing.
The life for which I long.
LANCE-CORPOEAL GEORGE DARGIE
(Inneeleithen)
Royal Scots.
1917. July 31 (Tuesday).
Authoritative information came to hand
that Private George Dargie, of the Royal
Scots, had been killed in action in France.
Hs was collector in Innerleithen for the Pru-
dential Insurance Coy. He was in the act of
leaving the trenches when a shell came over
and struck him, and from the wounds thus
caused, he died shortly afterwards. He was
attended by his only brother in his last
moments. He was aged 31. This brother also
was serving with the colours. He belonged
to Ardler, and left a widow and two children.
He joined the Royal Scots in December, 1915,
and went to France in July, 1916.
dearest Dead. To Heaven
With grudging sighs we gave you
To Him— be doubts forgiven —
Who took you there to save you.
Now get us grace to love
Your memories yet more kindly :
Pine for our homes above.
And trust to God more blindly.
LANCE-CORPORAL JOHN W. SCOTT
(Manor)
Scots Gtjards.
1917. Jtily 31 (Tuesday).
Lee. -Corp. John W. Scott, Scots Guards, en-
listed in June, 1915, and went to France on
August 25, 1916. He was killed by shell shock
on July 31, 1917. John was the second eldest
son of the late Gfeorge and Agnes Scott, and
George was the youngest. Their brother.
94
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
James Scott, had been in France with the
Canadians since September, 1916.
His brother, George, was to fall the same
year on November 30.
During the whole month of July there had
been continuous heavy German attacks on
British positions, and heavy artillery bom-
bardments in Flanders. But there were also
numerous raids by British and Canadians.
On the 25th there were intense artillery battles
going on in Flanders. On the following days
there were repeated German attacks north of
the Aisne. On the 29th and SOth the artillery
battles around Lens and in Flanders
were furious. On the 31st when Corporal
Scott fell, the Third Battle of Ypres began.
There was a British and French attack on a
fifteen mile front in Flanders; 12 villages
were taken and 5000 prisoners captured.
Now, God be thanked Who has matched us
with His hour
And caught our youth and wakened us from
sleeping.
With hand made sure, clear eye, and shar-
pened power
To t\Trn, as swimmers into cleanness leaping.
Glad from a world grown old and cold and
weary.
Leave the sick hearts that honour could
not move.
And half-men, and their silly songs and
dreary.
And all the little emptiness of love.
Dear Dead, they have become
Like guardian angels to us:
And distant Heaven, like home
Through them begins to woo us.
Love that was earthly, wings
Its flight to holier places:
The Dead are sacred things
That multiply our graces.
PRIVATE JOHN M 'MARTIN
(Skirling)
Lanarkshiee Yeomambt
(Attached Scottish Riflks).
1917. August 1 (WisjJNKSuATf).
Mr and Mrs David JfMartin, 15 Elcho
Street, who hud not heard for some weeks
from their youngest son at the fremt, Private
John M'Martin, of tlie Scottisli Rifles, made
enquiry, and a coinrado wrote in reply as fol-
lows : — "I received jour letter asking for any
information concerning Private John M'Mar-
tin. He was wounded on 1st August, and is
now posted missing. He was left by the
stretcher-bearers on their way to assist an-
other man, and nothing has been heard of
him since. The stretcher-bearer who was
with him, and who is now beside me, thinks
he was taken prisoner. If that is so, no doubt
the War Office will inform you shortly."
Later, official information reached the par-
ents, informing them that the body of Priv-
ate M'Martin had been found in " No Man's
Land,'' iiear Ypres. It would appear that
Private M'Martin had lived for some time
after being wounded, as he had written a
message in his pocket book. Private M'Mar-
tin was an apprentice butcher with the Co-
operative Society when he enlisted in the
Lanarkshire Yeomanry in September, 1914.
He went out to France in December, 1916,
when he was transferred to the Scottish
Rifles. He was 21 years of age.
Other two brothers were on active service —
William, a lance-corporal in the Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders, who was awarded
the Military Medal for bravery on the field in
France, and David, a private in the Cheshire
I-legiment, who saw service at Salonika.
No volleys break the stillness now.
The Din of Death is o'er:
His harvest 'neatli the stony brow
Is God's for evermore.
Oh, Comrades, in this fleeting life
Give one short hour to dreams
Of our Dear Dead who fell in strife
Where the Ancre gleams.
PRIVATE TREDERICK KEITH
(WAiKEBBUBN)
13th Royal Scots
1917. August 1 (Wednfsdat).
Mrs Keith, Morningside, Innerleithen, re-
ceived a letter froiu France containing a
photo, a disc, shoulder strap, and testament
belonging to her husband. Private Fred
Keith, who was reported missing on 1st
August, 1917. The writer was digging at the
back of some old trenches near Ypres, when
ho came upon the remains, to which he gave
reverent burial. He belonged to Walkcrburn,
and worked in Caorloe Mills. He joined in
April, 1916, and went to Franco in Juno, 1917,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
95
The brave fellows at this time were falling
in the Third Battle of Ypres. The Germans,
on August 1, retook St Julien, and regained
some iwsitions on the Ypres-E-oulers Railway.
These, however, were retaken by the British
on August 2, and St Julien and Infantry Hill
on the 3rd.
Child of the Forest, profound is thy sleep.
The valley that loved thee awakes but to
weep;
When our fires are rekindled at dawn of the
morn.
Our griefs burn afresh, and our prayers are
forlorn ;
The night falls disconsolate, bringing no
peace.
No hope for our dreams, for our sighs no
release ;
In vain come the true hearts and look from
the door,
For thou wilt return to fair Tweeddale no
more.
TROOPER JAMES FAIRBAIRN WATSON
(WALKEEBrEN AND EdDI/ESTOn)
Lanaekshiee Yeomaney.
1917. August 2.
At Alexandria, Egypt, on Thursday, the
2nd August, 1917, of diphtheria. Private James
Fairbairn Watson, Lanarkshire Yeomanry,
eldest son of Mr and Mrs William Watson,
Dalziel's Buildings, Walkerburn, and grand-
son of the late Jaiaes Fairbairn, Darnhall,
Eddleston.
His brother, William, fell on October 24,
1916.
Thou art gone to the grave, but we will not
deplore thee.
Though sorrows and darkness encompass
the tomb,
The Saviour hath passed through its portal
before thee.
And the lamp of His love is thy guide
through the gloom.
And so for me there is no sting in Death,
And so the grave has lost its victory :
It is but crossing with a bated breath
And white set face, a little strip of sea
To find the loved ones waiting on the shore,
More beautiful, more precious than before.
LANCE-CORPORAL THOMAS BROWN
( Innerleithen )
9th Royal Scots.
1917. August 6.
Mrs Brown, Miller Street, Innerleithen,
received official intimation that her husband,
Lance-Corporal Thomas Brown, Royal Scots,
died of wounds on Monday, 6tli August,
1917. He was 23 years of age, and was mobil-
ised as a Territorial at the outbreak of
hostilities. He was in the Gretna Disaster,
and among other injuries lost the sight of an
eye (the right). He left for France in Jan-
uary, and was slightly wounded in April.
He was employed as a mechanical engineer
in Carberry Pit, Musselburgh. Interred in
Mendingham British Cemetery on August 5.
The Germans regained a footing in Hol-
lebeke, but were driven out that day and
the next.
Who, while the mortal mist is gathering,
draws
His breath in confidence of Heaven's ap-
plause ;
This is the happy warrior, this is he
Whom every man in arms should wish to be.
In our heart of hearts believing
Victory crowns the just.
And that braggarts must
Surely bite the dust,
Press we to the field ungrieving
In our heart of hearts believing
Victory crowns the just.
Hence the faith and fire within us,
Men who marcih away
Ere the barncocks say
Night is growing grey.
To hazards whence no tears can win us;
Hence the faith and fire within us.
Men who march away.
PRIVATE JOHN SHANNON
(Stobo)
King's Own Scottish Boedeeers.
1917. August 9.
Private John Shannon was born at Hod-
dom Bridge Cottage, Parish of Cummertrees,
Annan. He was working as a gardener at
Stobo Castle when he was mobilised on the
4th August, 1914. He went to the Dardan-
elles with his regiment, l/5th K.O.S.B., Dum-
friesshire Territorials, in May, 1915, where
96
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
he saw some very heavy fighting. He came
home in 1916 as medically unfit for further
service. He died on Thursday, August 9th,
1917, after a lingering illness, following en-
teric fever, age 27.
Their hearts were woven of human joys and
cares.
Washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to
mirth.
The years had given them kindness. Dawn
was theirs.
And sunset, and the colours of the earth.
These had seen movement and heard music ■
known
Slumber and waking; loved, gone proudly
friended ;
Felt the quick stir of wonder ; sat alone ;
Touched flowei-s and furs and cheeks. All
this is ended.
PRIVATE GEORGE W. HUNTER
(Broughton)
17th Eotal Scots.
1917. August 11.
Private George W. Hunter, son-in-law of
Wm. Thomson, Dreva, Craigend, educated
at Biggar, was a plasterer, and joined the
Colours at Hamilton on 26th March, 1916,
being attached to the 17th Royal Scots.
Trained at Chelmsford, he went to France
on 13th Januai-y, 1917, and was in various
engagements, the last being the Somme ad-
vance, where he was mortally wounded with
gunshot wounds in head and spine, dying of
wounds on Saturday, llfch August, 1917, and
was laid to rest in Tincourt Military Cem-
etery. He leaves a widow, who received the
following letter from the Chaplain, the min-
ister of Kirkmahoe.
Dear Mrs Hunter, — Probably you have
already heard the distressing news of the
death of your gallant husl)and, who was
brought to No. 55 Casualty Station suffer-
ing from a severe wound wliich left him
quite helpless. Fortunately he did not suffer
much pain, and the end was quite peace-
ful. I saw him often during the three
or four days of weakness. He asked me
to write to you and send a kind message.
He specially said— "I'ell my wife I .send
my love to her." Indeed he thought nioro
alwub you than about himself and wlas
quite comforted when I promised I would
write. I have written my friend, your
minister, the Eev. Mr Duncan. Perhaps
some day I may call on you if you are in
the Biggar or Broughton district, and tell
you everything I can about these days.
His loss will be very hard to bear, but I
am confident that in justice to your devoted
husband you will mingle your grief with
pride that he was willing to lay down his
life for home and country. You may also
have some consolation in knowing that
during his last days on earth you were so
much in his thoughts. We laid him rev-
erently to rest with full military honours,
in Tincourt Military Cemetery, where al-
ready a cross bearing his name, number,
regiment and date of death marks the
spot. — Kindly accept my deepest sympathy,
yours faithfully,— John M. Forbes, Chap-
lain.
The first to climb the parapet
With bombs in either hand;
The first to vanish in the smoke
Of God-forsaken No Man's Land;
First at the wire, and soonest through.
First at those red-mouthed hounds of hell—
The Maxims; and the first to fall—
They do their bit and do it well.
" Life is but brief at best, and death's
control
Extends not over the heroic soul ;
Immortal garlands crown such brows as
these ;
They are the dead who rot in selfish ease."
PLIGHT SUB-LIEUT. ALAN THEODORE
GRAY
(Eddleston and South Africa)
1917. August 16 (Thursday).
Alan Gray, the subject of the following re-
cord, although residing all his life in South
Africa, had a close connection with Eddleston
and Peebles. His grandparents wore long
associated and highly respected in business in
Eddleston ; the brother of his father was well-
known in Peebles, where he spent the whole
of his life, and the many sisters of hie father
were all happily married, some in Peebles,
others in various parts of Scotland.
Alan Tlicodore Oniy was ))orn in Pretoria,
November 21.(h, 1898, and bapti.sed in St
Andrew's Presl)yteriau Church on Christ-
GWNNEB ^VnDREW StEWAB/J'.
TUAQUAIR. .
I'h.ivati! I'f.ter Faibbairn.
Manor.
Lieut. Archibalb B. jNIiller,
KmKTJRD.
]'n.ivA'j'E William Bruce HmciNP
Stobo AND Australia.
I'll. W ii.i.iA.M A i/ii:sox,
Lcr.,-Cri.. John W. Scoxt,
Ma NOB.
LOK.-Ci'L, GixjuoE I)ai!Oii.;,
iNNEULKITnEN.
i^TH. .). M 'Martin,
SlvIKl.lNa,
1'te. Fredtikick Xeith,
Walkerbijen.
LcE.-(JpL. Thomas iinowN,
Innekleithen.
Tkoopeii James Faujbaiun Watson,
Walkeebuen and Epdleston.
Pte. John Shannon,
Stobo.
I'lMVATIO (llidKcJ-, W. II LN'IHl;
l'i;iVATi.. 'I'iidiMAS Swan,
lilKirciH'I'ON.
I'l.niiiT Si i;-l,ii.i T. Ai.AN 'I'll i.ni,mii.. Hh.vv,
i;i;l)l.l,HTON ANI' SijiTII AiriUCA.
I'l; I \ \'l K t 1 KdliCiH I '. S.M AUT,
Innhui.kitukn.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
97
mas Day, by 'Rev. Andrew Brown of Fords-
burg. Before he wag a year old the Anglo-
Boer War broke out, and he spent the early
part of his life in Natal as a "refugee," ex-
iled from Pretoria, while his father served
as chaplain to the Eoyal Scots Fusiliers, to
the Scottish Rifles, and later was attached
to many hospitals in Pretoria. In June,
1901, Alan and his mother and two sisters
returned from Natal to Pretoria. He was
first taught at the Pretoria High School, from
6i years to 10 years. Then his father moved
from Pretoria to Grahamstown, Cape Pro-
vince, to be the minister at Trinity Church.
In Grahamstown Alan attended the Victoria
High School from ten years of age until he
was seventeen, and then entered Ehodes
University College to take the engineering
course. H© was a keen Boy Scout, and
later was a patrol leader; he was a cadet
and was very much interested in the drill
and the camp life. He was naturally in-
clined to be "bookish," and was often drawn
away from his books by ihis mother and
sent out of doors, as it was feared that he
read too much. He was fond of singing,
and was ever ready to help the choir and to
give a good rousingi song. He was a boyish
lad, full of faults, full of nonsense, and
found this life was a very busy and a very
ihapi^y one for the most part.
Nearly all the men of his class in college
decided to join the forces and do their "bit."
All felt Alan was too young, and when he
spoke to his father, the answer was, "When
you are eighteen you may talk of going.
Meantime go on with your studies." But
Alan was doing all he -eould to get "fit,"
and quietly worked away to see if tliere
would not be an opening without having to
wait. At last a comrade iirged him to join
him, and he went to his parents, begging
to be allowed to go, and though not quite
eigihteen, they saw how eager he was and
consented. The voyage was full of interest,
and he soon became happy and at home in
London, where he made many friends. First
and foremost he sought to get into touch
with the military authorities, and was dis-
appointed that he could not enter Wool-
wich or Sandhurst, because of being too
young. The Hon. W. P. Schreiner advised
his entering the Royal Naval Air Service,
which he did on December 10, 1916, with his
comrade and warm friend, Leslie Philip.
M
Alan was at the Crystal Palace, at Ching-
ford, at Sleaford, at Friestown, and at Lin-
coln, and on July 16, 1917, he passed as a
pilot and being second in his exams, ob-
tained two months' seniority. He went over
to Franc© early in August, and was soon
stationed in the Naval Aerodrome at Bail-
leul. His log book shows heavy work and
two close offensives. On August 16, 1917, he
was reported "missing." It was a bright,
though cold, season in Grahamstown. His
parents were sitting together on the 17th
August and his father seemed reluctant to
have his wife leave him, and as he read the
afternoon paper — "Heavy offensive in the Air
Service. Thirteen machines missing" — a
dread came over him. At four o'eloek a
cable was brought— "Regret to say, August
16, Flight sub-Iieut. Alan T. Gray missing."
This was dated on the 17th and cam© quick-
ly. "I have feared this," his father said.
Soon the little town knew, and, oh, the let-
ters and wires of sympathy and tenderness.
On October 9 came a cable from the High
Commissioner— "Am gratified to inform 3'ou
your son is a prisoner of war and unwound-
ed." This was confirmed later by his Squad-
ron Commander and his ohum, Leslie Philip,
and by other cables. But from that day on
no other news had ever come— though every
German camp, every Red Cross Society,
e\e!:y available place in the Netherlands,
France, Smtzerland, and Italy has been
sought ! American authorities, Spanish auth-
orities, Italian authorities have been impor-
tuned to join in the search.
In his home are huge piles of letters and
telegrams relative to this vain quest. On
September 16, 1918, the Admiralty wrote that
as nothing had been heard, and as "a crash-
ed plane and unidentified pilot on August
17, 1917, were reported by German author-
ities," it was "presumed that Flight Sub-
Lieut. Alan T. Gray had been killed in
action."
Carefully and kindly were his handbag, suit
case and kit bag packed and safely returned
to the Manse, and their coming brought
comfort, showing that high home ideals had
ever been preserved, although the loneliness
and the mourning for a dear and only son
were changed from bitterness and pain only
by God's grace and love and constant pres-
ence.
It was hoped that Alan would have had
98
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
a more and useful and ihappy life. But who
can doubt but that just such loving, gal-
lant souls are serving God "day and night"
■with highest endeavours, gladsome service
and purest joy in a better world?
" The recruits of the air were young, some
of them no more than boys. Their training
lasted only a few months. They put their
home life behind them, or kept it only as
a fortifying memory, and threw themselves
with fervour and abandon into the work to
be done. Pride in their squadron became
part of their religion. The demands made
upon them, which, it might reasonably have
been believed, were greater than human
nature can endure, were taken by them as
a matter of course; they fulfilled them, and
went beyond. They were not a melancholy
company; they tad sometliing of the light-
ness of the element in which they moved.
Indeed, it would be difficult to find, in the
world's history, any body of fighters who,
for sheer gaiety and zest, could ihold a
candle to them. They have opened up a
new vista for their country and for man-
kind. Their story, if it could ever be fully
and truly written, is the Epic of Youth."
For you soared onwards to that world wihich
rags
Of clouds, like tattered flags.
Concealed; you reached the walls of
chrysolite,
The mansions white;
And losing all, you gained the civic crown
Of that eternal town.
Wherein you passed a rightful citizen
Of the bright commonwealth ablaze beyond
our ken.
A soaring death, and near to Heaven's gate;
Beneath the very walls of Paradise.
Surely with soul elate,
You heard the destined bullet as you flew,
And surely your prophetic .spirit knew
That you liud wi^ll deserved that Bliiniiig
fate.
PRIVATE THOMAS SWAN
(Uuoughto.n)
.1th Kino's Own Scottish Bobdeej^bs,
1917. August 20.
I'rivate ThoriiaH Swan, l/.lth K.O.S.H., was
•■iMployed as a ploughman when ho enlisted at
Dumfries on 16th June, 1916. After training
at Duddingston and Hawick he proceeded to
France on 27th March, 1917, taking part on
Easter morning at Vimy Eidge and at Pas-
chendaele. After five months' service in
France he was severely wounded on 19th Aug-
ust 1917, at the Ypres front, and died next
day, Monday. He left a widow and three
children, residing at Kilbucho Place Cottages.
The following letter was received by his
widow from the Chaplain: —
" Dear Mrs Swan,— You will have heard of
the death of your husband from wounds.
There is really nothing I can tell you as he
never recovered consciousness; and I could
not write to you before, as I have had so
many hundreds of letters to write.
We laid your husband's body to rest in
Brandlock Cemetery, and a cross has been
placed at his grave.
I can only pray that God may grant you a
right judgment so as to bear your sad loss
without resentment, knowing that though the
will of the enemy has caused the destruction
of the earthly tabernacle, yet it is the will of
God to " Save the life out of destruction,"
and to clothe it and house it anew ; neither
does God allow any brave loving soul to be in
any way a loser by migrating from a world of
sti if e and sorrow to a life of progress and en-
lightenment, where men evermore rejoice in
God's holy comfort; and I pray that you also
may find joy in that same comfort.
With deepest sympathy with yourself and
all your husband's dear ones."
For all we have and are.
For all our children's fate.
Stand up and meet the war.
The Hun is at the gate.
Our world has passed away
In wantonness o'erthrown.
There is nothing left to-day
But steel and fire and stone.
Though all we knew depart.
The old Commandments stand:
" In courage keep your heart.
In strength lift up your hand."
One who never turnotl his back but marched
breast forward.
Never doubted clouds would break,
Never dreamed, though right wore worsted,
wrong would triumph;
Held we fall to rise, are baflled to fight
better, slfeep to wake.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
99
PRIVATE GEORGE L. SMART
(iNNEBLErrHEN)
IdvB. Royal Scots.
1917. Atjuvst 22 (Wednesday).
Mrs Smart, Buccleiich St., Innerleitlien, re-
ceived a letter from a chaplain in France, in-
timating that her son, Private George Smart,
lioyal Scots, has been killed in action by gun-
shot. He was a most promising youth. Nine
years ago he was dux boy of the school after-
wards attending Peebles County and Burgh
High School for three years. Later he was
for a few years in the Town Clerk's office.
Hb was afterwards in the wool store of Caer-
lee Mill. When war broke out he was attend-
ing technical classes at Galashiels, and was
giving promise of a very successful career.
He joined up in March, 1915, and had seen
considerable active service. He had five
brothers serving, one of whom had been a
prisoner of war for three years — six gallant
Smarts.
His brother, William, was to pass away on
August 4, 1918.
And I, I watched them working, dreaming,
playing,
Saw their young bodies fit the mind's desire,
Felt them reach outward, upward, still obey-
ing
The passionate dictates of their hidden fire.
Yet here and there some greybeard breathed
derision,
" Too much of luxury, too soft an age.
Your careless Galahads will see no vision.
Your knights will make no mark on
honour's page."
No mark ? Go ask the broken fields of
Flanders,
Ask the great dead who watched in ancient
Troy,
Ask the old moon as round the world she
wanders
What of the men who were my hope and
joy?
PRIVATE ADAM PEDEN
(Walkebburn)
ISiH Royal Scots.
1917. August 22 (Wednesday).
No. 331201 Pte. Adam Peden, 13th Royal
Scots, enlisl-ed April 19, 1917 ; left for France,
July 17, 1917; reported missing on 22nd Aug-
ust, presumed killed on that date. He was
20 years of age and resided with liis father
and mother at Jubilee Road, Walkerburn ;
was employed as a spinner at Tweedholm
Mills, Walkerburn. He was a very keen
angler.
As there were two Adam Pedens who fell
in the Royal Scots, his regimental number
is specially quoted. On this day there was
heavy fighting on the Ypres front; the Brit-
ish line was advanced 500 yards on a one-
mile front. It has advanced also half a
mile on a two and a ihalf mile front. Lens
being the objective.
" Not Angles merely, but Angel stock,
These boys blue-eyed and shining from the
sea.
Which like a silver girdle belts their home.
Not slaves, but souls, not tools to use,
But men to love and lead and save for
God
Who made them ; and for that great King
who died
The death of shame and glory on the
Cross."
Michael's army hath many new men.
Gravest knights that may sit in stall.
Kings and captains, a shining train.
But the little young knights are dearest of
all.
Paradise now is the soldiers' land.
Their own country its shining sod,
Comrades all in a merry band.
And the young knights' laughter pleaseth
God.
PRIVATE WILLIAM WILLIAMSON
(Innerleithen)
King's Own Scottish Bordeeers.
1917. August 25 (Saturday).
Mrs Williamson, 84 High Street, Inner
leithen, received official intimation that her
eldest son. Private William Williamson,
K.O.S.B., was killed in action on 25th Ang-
ust, 1917. He was aged 27 and enlisted in
April, 1916. After training for a year he
was drafted to France. Before enlisting he
was a laundryman with his brother in Chapel
Street. His brother was also serving.
On the 24th the British lines were forced
back from positions gained on the 22nd,
100
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
and on the 2otli the enemy recaptured some
of their positions lost on the 19tih, but were
drawn out later in the day.
Then let's have faith; good cometh out of ill;
The Power that shaped the strife shall end
the strife;
Then let's bow down before the Unknown
Will;
Fight on, Ijelieving all is well with life;
Seeing within the worst of war's red rage
The gleam, the glory of the golden age.
PRIVATE THOMAS SOMERVILLE
(Bkoughton)
16th Eotal Scots.
1917. August 26.
Private Thomas Somerville, Hartree Square,
joined the 16tli Eoyal Scots on 9th Decem-
ber, 1915, and was trained at Glencorse and
Queensferry.
He went to France on 1st December, 1916,
and was in several engagements. On Sun-
day, 26th August, 1917, h© was killed by
shell fire whilst acting as a stretcher-bearer.
He was buried at a point south-south-west
of Hargicourt and south of Epehy. He left
a widow, who resides at Hartree Square,
Kilbucho, and for whom much sympathy is
felt.
On this day the British recaptured enemy
positions east of Hargicourt, in the west of St
Quentin on a front of over a mile, and half
a mile deep.
" So far with me, no further now !
Our journey all so brief is done;
Thou goest on thine unseen way,
And I must tread my path alone.
They two went on; and we have been
Through Bethel's plain and Jordan's flood,
Then one went back to serve and wait
And one soared up to dwell with God.
We two went on, ali, not alone'.
And though no gleam of light I see;
There walks with me the Holy On©
And Clirist, the living God, with thee."
They healed sick hearts till theirs were
broken,
And dried sad eyes I ill lliciis lost li^^lii. ;
We ehali know at lust by ft certain token
How they fougiht, and fell in the fight;
Salt tears of sorrow unbeheld,
Passionate toils unchronicled.
And silent strifes for rights
Angels shall count them, and earth shall
sigh
That she left her best children to battle and
die.
SECOND-LIEUTENANT
THOMAS EDWARD BARTLEMAN.
(Kiekued)
SeAPORTH HlGHLANDEBS.
1917. September 6 (Thursday)
A singularly bi-ight and winning personal-
ity has gone from us in Tommy Bartleman,
than whom, as a schoolboy, or F.P., there
was no more patriotic Watsonian. The
younger son of Mr J. Bartleman, 1 Merchis-
ton Park, Edinburgh, he entered the school
in 1901, the youngest pupil in it for the
time being. He early joined the O.T.C Band
as a piper, was present as a representative
of the corps at the Windsor Eeview, and as
one would expect from his radiant person-
ality, was the leader of a group of kindred
spirits, full of clean mirth and boyisii en-
thusiasm. He played football in his house
team, Preston; was in the cricket XL for
1914, and upheld the honour of his house
at tihe shooting range, being in the winning
Pie^ton team for 1913. He had left us for
a post in the City Analyst's office, but at the
"cry for men," he joined the Fifth Royal
Scots in November, 1015. His skill as a
piper won him a place in the band, Init
he subsequently transferred to iihe ranks,
and was sent to a cadets' .school to train for
a conunission. Gazetted to the Fifth Sea-
forths in April of this year, he wont over-
seas on the 1st of June. Tn an onslaught on
the enemy trenoh (Otii Sopteinlier), his men
were held up by machine gun fire. In a gal-
lant attempt to rush the hostile gun in a Ger-
man pill-liox, ho and his sergeant fell side
by side. Though he had been but a, short
time witJi them, he was beloved by his men.
Our .sympathy with the bereaved parents is
all thq deeper in that by his loss, "their
homo is left imto them desolate."
][is bixjtlior William fell on May 2, 1015.
Koport on raid carried out by l/5th Sea-
lorth lliglilandors, relating to Lieut. T. E.
Bartleman : —
I'alVATE AUA.M i'jlDEN,
Walkerbubn.
I'mVATiJ THOilAS >S0JIEKV1LLE,
Beoughton.
Phivate AViLi.iAM Williamson,
Innerleithen.
Second-Lieutenant Thomas Edwaku liAUTLV.MAN,
KiRKUHD.
SAri'Kli XOKM.VN J.'OLF ShIKLLS.
Inner LKiTiLEN anb Australia.
i'mVAXE il'KANClli (JrEEN,
Innerleh'iien.
I'|(I\AIK Wll.l.n.M lOcMlPllI
lNSKiii.r:riiii;N.
I 'l! I \ M I (I I lllli;i'; lliK.l.ANll.
Iliioi'i.ii'roN.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
101
" The party g«t to within 30 yards of
Pheasant Trench, under Lieut. Bartleman,
but, owing to maahine gun fire, rifle fire,
and bombs, the party was held up, and Sec-
ond-Lieutenant T. E. Bartleman, while en-
deavouring to work round the blockhouse,
was shot through the head. Tihe leading of
the raid left nothing to be desired. Lieut.
Bartleman shewed the utmost courage and
bravery. I wish specially to mention tihis
officer."— Lt.-Col. l/5th Seaforth Highlanders,
B.E.F., 8th September, 191".
Dear Mr and Mrs Bartleman, — I cannot
say how sorry I am to tell you that your
dear son Tom was killed instantaneously
on the morning of the 6th inst., during a
raid by my company on the enemy's
lines. Tom joined fhis company a week
after he joined the battalion, and I was
fortunate enough to get him. He was
adored by his platoon, and no wonder, as
he always set them a glorious example. I
have had to censor numerous letters from
men in his platoon, and each one of them
remarks on the fine officer they have lost.
I am left alone in my company, as I went
up the line with three others, and Tom was
killed and Macleod and Lundie wounded.
They and their men did splendid work,
however, and I hope to be able to get
the official report sent on to you. Of course,
you will understand this is private, and
must not be published, but I have got
permission from the Colonel to send you
one to keep. Tom was shot through the
head and was fortunate in getting the most
merciful death a soldier could wish to get.
He and his sergeant, Eoss, died about three
yards from one another, and almost up at
the enemy's trench."— J. Coebigall, Capt.
and Company Commander.
From "Gordon," D Coy., 3rd Gordon High-
landers, School, Aberdeen, September 14
1917: —
" I am utterly at a loss to know what to
write or how to write. I only want to say
that my heart is right sore for you, and
with you both. I shall come and see you if
I may, when I get my leave, and I hope
then to be able to say the things I want to,
and cannot now, and to hear all the sad
particulars.
May the loving, tender Jesus Christ be
your comfort and stay, dear kind friends
who have been so kind to me. How glad I
am that I have had the privilege of
Tommy's heart friendship— and how great
is our treasure becoming in Heaven !
When I go out myself, I shall come speci-
ally for your benediction, that I may fight
as nobly and as splendidly as they did, and
that I may go forth as from you.
Dear Tommy — amidst all the pain and
bitterness is there not a note of triumph ? —
he played the game. (You remember how
Billie and he would set that fine idea of
' playing the game ' before everything, on
the field at Myreside, and in the larger field
of life), and the dear kid did not turn back.
How well I remember him going low to save
his side from being scored against.
Thank God for the life of Tom— clean,
eager, loving and Christian. I shall pray
for you both for I love you, as I have loved,
and still love, the ' pals.'
Ever with my warmest love and earnest
prayers, yours affectionately,
Gordon."
From Captain Aymer D. Maxwell: —
" I feel like I have known Tommy since
his childhood, and I have always loved him
like a young brother. To my great delight
I met him out here at the end of June, and
even then I felt a lump in my throat at the
thought of his actually being out here and
engaged in this infernal business. I have
seea him often since, and on the 8th or 9th
of last month, he came across to shake my
hand as we iwer© marching past his camp on
the night we were relieved in the trenches.
I only heard yesterday that he had died
most gallantly on the German parapet, and
I went straight across to his colonel, whom
I have known for a long time, and he just
told me he had lost one of the finest officers
in his battalion. I went over again to see
his company commander, and he was most
awfully upset, but he said — 'Well, if he had
pulled through, he eould not have got less
than a Military Cross.'
I just give you that as a very slight con-
solation in your great sorrow, and as liber-
ally believe that you and Mr Bartleman
will understand that my grief and sym-
pathy cannot be expressed in a letter, I will
[^ OF SCOTLAND "^
102
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance
only add that I have lost a great friend and
a very gallant comrade."
From the Eev. W. P. Young, Chaplain. 9th
September, 1917: —
" I joined the battalion as chaplain on
Friday, and the first news I got was _ that
your son had been killed the night before.
I knew him at Eipon when he was there,
and I knew friends of his at Schoolboy
Camps. He was a fine boy, and he had
done well out here. One of the men in his
letter home to-day, says how sorry they all
are to lose their oflBcer, as fine a one as ever
they had.
I have been out myself as a combatant,
and I personally have learnt in the war
only a very strong and sure belief that
death is only the entrance to fuller and
better life, and I have no thought else of a
fine boy like your son ; but I know what a
grief it must be to you, and a sense of loss
you must have. This, hardest for those at
home.
His captain is writing you fully of the
details, which I dont know through arriv-
ing only the day after, but may I send you
my own, and the sympathy of all the ofiicers
here who knew him."
. . . . One of quiet mould
Gazed long at those school chronicles that
told
Of honours that the stately school had known.
He read the names, and wondered if his own
Would ever grace the walls in letters bold.
He knew not that he for the School would
gain
A greater honour with a higher price —
That, no long years of work, but bitter pain
And his rich life, he was to sacrifice-
Not in a University's grey peace.
But on the Battlefield his earthly life would
cease.
SAPPER NORMAIT ROLF SHIELLS
(Innerleithkn and Australia)
1st Australian Tunnelling Compantt.
1917. September 14.
Killed in action in France on Friday, the
14th September, 1917, Sapper Norman Rolf
Shicllci, Australian Contingent, beloved son of
Mr and Mrs Gilbert vShiells, Mima, Austra-
lia, lato of Innerleithen,
He enlisted in May, 1916, sailed from Mel-
bourne on the 25th October, 1916, and was
killed on the 14th September, 1917, at Ypres,
and was buried there. He was born at Hob-
art, Tasmania, in the year 1896. He was only
aged four years when the family came to live
at New South Wales, and was twenty years
and nine months old when he fell. Before
enlisting he worked in the coal mines, and
was well respected by all who knew him. He
had never been away from home before join-
ing the army, and was the youngest of the
family. He was of a bright and happy dis-
position, always " singing very loudly of his
home and people." Wherever he went he was
ever well liked. His chum who buried his
body paid a visit to his parents, telling them
that Norman never shirked his duty, and was
every ready to do a good turn for anyone.
He lived an honourable and clean life while
abroad.
War is declared in Britain, such is the news
and true;
Now that the Mother's smitten, what will her
litters do?
Volunteers, all come forward, stand to your
arms like men.
Let the Germans know that where'er they go.
If at home, or here, they will meet their foe
When they come to the Mother's den.
The soldier said, as he lay a-dying,
"I am content.
Send word to my mother who lives in the
town.
And to my beloved who dwells in a cot.
So they may join hands and pray for my
soui."
The soldier is dead. His sweetheart and
mother
Have joined tlieir hands, and prayed for his
soiil:
'J'hey digged his grave on the field of the
battle:
The earth where they hud him was reddened
with blood:
And the sun said, as he witnessed the nccno,
" I too am content."
Tlie flowers have grown on his grave,
Each flower contented to blossom,
(From the French).
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
103
PRIVATE WILLIAM ECKFORD
(Innerleithen)
Highland Light Infantbt.
1917. Septembee 16 (Sunday).
Mr and Mrs Eckford, Greenhead, received
an official telegram, intimating that their
son, Private William Eckford, H.L.I. , had
died in a military hospital at Araara, Meso-
potamia. He v(ras admitted to iliospital a few
weeks before, siiffering from intestinal in-
flammation, and he died on the 16tli Sept-
ember. Private Eckford joined the K.O.S.B.
early in 1915, and was trained in Dudding-
ston. He was afterwards transferred to the
H.L.I. , and was drafted to Mesopotamia
about "Christmas, 1916. In civil life he v?as
a hewer to trade, but latterly worked in St
Ronan's Mill. He was for some time la play-
ing member of the Vale of Leithen P.C.,
and was 37 years of age. Two brothers are
with the Colours in France.
Extract from letter, written July 31st,
1917 :—
Mesopotamia.
This is a terrible country for heat, and
it takes a lot of sticking. There is not
much scenery here and some parts a tree
isn't to be seen. Nothing but a desert
stretching for miles, with the Tigris flow-
ing down the centre. There are very wild
sand-storms now and again. I wish the
day was here when we will all be return-
ing home.
He was a keen cricketer and played for In-
nerleithen, Haddington, and eoaohed at
George Watson's College. He excelled as a
bowler, and often won the prize for the best
bowling analysis at the end of the season.
He was of a quiet, genial disposition, and
his favourite pastime was a day up the
Leithen with the rod.
This be our epitaph— "Traveller, south or
west,
Go say at home we heard the trumpet call
And answered. Now, Iseside the sea we rest.
Our end was happy if our country thrives;
Such was demanded. Lo, our store was
small —
That which we had we gave— it was our
lives."
They left the fury of the fight,
And they wer© very tired;
The gates of Heaven were open quite,
Unguarded and unwired.
There was no sound of any gun
The land was still and green; '
Wide hills lay silent in the sun,
Blue valleys slept between.
They saw far off a little wood
Stand up against the sky.
Knee-deep in grass a great tree stood.
Some lazy cows went by.
There were some rooks sailed overhead.
And once a church-bell pealed.
" God, but it's Scotland," someone said,
" And there's a football field."
PRIVATE FRANCIS OREEN.
(Innerleithen)
goedon highxandees.
1917. Septembse 17 (Mondat).
Mr and Mrs Green, Station Road, Inner-
leithen, received official intimation that
their son, Private F. Green, Gordon High-
landers, had been killed. The chaplain wrote
details to them. He was leaving the trenches
for a rest when he was knocked down by shell
fire. He was aged 23, and joined in May,
1915. He was trained in the A. & S., and was
transferred to the Gordons when he went to
France. He was employed in Tweedvale
Mills, Walkerburn. He had two brothers in
the army.
The second phase of the Third Battle of
Ypres had begun on the 15th. On the 16th a
German attack on Apremont Forest at St
Mihiel failed.
There's traffic in the worlds immortal.
For many souls are flying home.
Striving and pushing at the portal
For sight of glorious things to come.
What rout of things against the sunset?
What rosy plumes the dawning bar ?
Heaven's stormed with gay and happy onset
Of youngling things home from the war.
Though the old nests be sad, forsaken.
The cotes of Heaven are yet unfilled:
In trees of Heaven as yet untaken
The immortal Loves lift hearts and build.
Land. Land.
For all the broken-hearted.
The dearest herald by our fate allotted.
Beckons, and with inverted torch doth stand
To lead us with a gentle hand
To the Land of the Great Departed,
Into the Silent Land,
10-t
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE OEORGE IRELAND
(Beodghton)
Labour Battalion.
1917. September 20 (Thuhsdat).
Private George Ireland, gardener to Mr
Welsh, Mossfennan, joined the army in May,
1915, and was sent to France in July, 1917,
being attached to the Labour Battalion. He
was killed by a stray shell, death being in-
stantaneous, and was buried beside bis com-
rades at Tpres. He leaves a widow and four
children, for whom much sympathy was felt.
Private Ireland was a quiet, unassuming man,
and generally esteemed.
The third phase of the battle of Ypres be-
gan on October 9, with Franco-British at-
tacks on Houlthuest Forest. At one o'clock
a great advance began on Passchendalle
■Ridfre. 2000 prisoners being taken. On the
12th, the British attacked north-east of Ypres
on a six-mile front to Ypres-Eoulerg railway.
And on the 17tli there was great artillery
activity north-east of Soissoins, and on the
Aisne front on the 20th. On the 23rd there
was a great French victory on fhe Aisne.
It is my sad duty to have to inform you
of the death in action of Private George
Ireland on the 20th September, 1917. It
may be a source of satisfaction to you to
know that he was killed outright, and that
he would therefore suffer no pain. He now
lies buried beside many of his comrades,
who, like him, died on the field of honour.
May God comfort you in your sore bereave-
ment, and all who loved him and sustain
you with the thoiight that he did not die
in vain, but like the Saviour he gave his
life that others might live."
I am after getting back from hospital,
and am exceedingly sorry to hear of the
death of your beloved husband, Private
George Ireland, and I write ag a pal of his
to tender you my heartfelt sympathy in
your .sore bereavement. Poor George and a
few more of the boys were killed by a
shell, and I learn from one of tlie^hai>-
lains that they were buried together at
the British Soldiers' Cemetery nt Ypres.
If it will be possible for me, I shall visit
the cemetery hjeforo leaving the district.
I miss poor George very much, as we were
fast friends. Two nights before the bat-
talion left for Belgium, he came to the
hospital with my mail, and little we
thought that we would not see each other
any more. But I pray that God may sus-
tain and comfort you in your sore bereave-
ment.
I, that on my familiar hill,
Saw with uncomprehending eyeg
A hundred of thy sunsets spill
Their fresh and sanguine sacrifice,
Ere the sun swings his noon-day sword
Must say good-bye to all of this—
By delights that I shall miss,
Help me to die, O Iprd.
Hush, my Soul. And vain regrets, be stilled.
Find rest in Him, who is the complement
Of what so'er transcends your mortal doom
Of broken hope and frustrated intent;
In the clear vision and aspect of whom
All wishes and all longings are fulfilled.
PRIVATE JOHN TAYLOR ELLIS
(Innerleithen)
Royal Scots.
1917. September 20. Missing.
Previously reported missing on 20th Sept-
ember, 1917, now presumed killed on that
date. Private John Taylor Ellis, Royal Scots,
aged 22 years, eldest son of Mr and Mrs
Ellis, The Crossings, Glenormiston, Inner-
leithen; deeply regretted.
Mr and Mrs Ellis, The Crossings, CTlen-
ormiston, had received official intimation
that their eldest son, Private J. Ellis, of
the Royal Scots, had been missing since 20th
September. Private Ellis joined up almost
at the beginning of hostilities, on 30th Aug-
ust, 1914, in Kitchener's Army. Drafted to
France in the Royal Scots in May, 1915, he
saw much active service in the Ypres sec-
tion and Somme battles. He was twice home
on sick leave. He was 22 years of age, and
before enlistment was engaged as a railway
Private .Tdhn Taylor Ellis,
IiVNETiLEITHKN.
Private Thomas Yellovvlees,
'I'wkedsml'ie and Ettrick.
Corporal James Shaw,
Walkers URN.
Privatio George Kebk,
Innerleithkn.
I'APTAiN GeOEGE H. -F. BaRTHOJ.'JMEW.
Brottghtiin.
Sapper Thomas Fullerton,
Ebdleston.
SK('<>Ni»-l/ri'.r'ri'.NAN'i' II \iMM
'I'll MJI'AIK.
\1 AXW 1:1,1,
r'AUKIKK iCllHriiU \l, DoN.M.Ii M'tll.ASHAN,
I'llihl/HSTilN.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
105
goods porter at Innerleithen station. He liad
one brother in training.
In a thousand years
It will all b© the same
Which of us was to blame?
What will it matter then?
Over the sleeping men
Grass will so softly grow.
No one would ever know
Of the dark crimson stain.
Of all the hate and pain,
That once had fearful birth
In the black secret earth.
Into the Silent Land.
Ah, who shall lead us thither.?
Clouds in the evening sky more thickly
gather,
And shattered wrecks lie thicker than the
strand.
You lead us with a gentle hand
Thither, O thither.
Into the Silent Land.
COBPORAL JAMES SHAW
(Walkebbuen)
9th Eotal Scots.
1917. September 23.
News was received by his sister, Miss Mary
Sliaw, Tweed View, Walkerburn, of the
death of her brother, Corporal James Shaw,
Eoyal Scots. He was wounded in the left
leg by shrapnel on aSrd September, and lived
only a few hours after admission to hospital.
Corporal Shaw joined up on the day of
mobilisation, having done seven years' ser-
vice in the Volunteer and Territorial Force.
He did not go out to France in 1914 with
the Sth Eoyal Scots, but he went out in
July, 1915, coming home at the end of the
year on special leave owing to bereavement.
In 1916, Corporal Shaw was drafted to the
9th Royal Scots, with whom he spent some
months, seeing some severe fighting at Beau-
mont, Bamel, and other places. He was
home again at the beginning of 1917 for four
weeks being time expired, but before he
went out again )he spent 3 months in hos-
pital in Edinburgh. Going to France again
m July, he was dangerously wounded on
22nd September and died the following day
after having a leg amputated. Before war
broke out, Cpl. Shaw was employed in the
yarn department of Tweedvale Mills (Messrs
Henry Ballantyne & Sons, Limited). He was
a prominent member of Walkerburn Rugby
Club, being a three-c^uarter of no mean
order, being possessed of a rare turn of
speed
But we will go to Zion,
By choice, and not through dread.
With these our present comrades
And those our present dead;
And, being free of Zion
In both her fellowships.
Sit down and sup in Zion —
Stand up and drink in Zion,
Whatever cup in Zion
Is offered to our lips.
Confident as a child that turns.
When tired, on a lonely road,
To nestle on his father's arm,
Feeling in love a sure abode.
So dwelled he in Iris Maker's care.
Resigned no longer here to roam.
And when he bade ihis friend farewell.
Said: — "Mate, I am going Home."
PRIVATE THOMAS YELLOWLEES
(TWEEDSMUIR AND EtTRICK)
Black Watch.
1917. Septembee. 28 (Feiday).
It is wiih deep regret that we record the
death of Private Thomas Yellowlees, Black
Watch, who was " killed in action " on the
western front on the 28th of September, 1917
In obedience to the orders of his superior
officer, Yellowlees, with five other men, was
holding an advanced post of danger and im-
portance on that day. The position was be-
ing subjected to an intense bombardment. A
shell burst, blowing in the post, and all six
men were instantaneously killed. Our young
friend died as every good soldier would wish
to die, taking no thought of self, but simply
doing his duty. He had just completed three
years of strenuous and honourable service
with the colours. In the very first month of
the war he was quick to see where his line of
duty lay, and at a time when volunteers from
this and the neighbouring valley were com-
paratively few, he volunteered and enlisted
as a trooper in the Scots Greys. Being eager
and anxious to get into the fighting line and
see active service at the earliest possible
moment, he transferred into the Black Watch
106
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
and shared in the honours, dangers, hard-
ships, and heroic achievements of that his-
toric regiment during the nest two and a
half years. He was severely wounded at Loos
on the memorable 25th of September, 1915,
and, after an all too brief period of conval-
escence, he rejoined his battalion, and was
wounded again some months later. Now, at
the age of twenty-two he has been called upon
to make "the supreme sacrifice," and rests
from his labours. In the death of Tom
i'ellowlees Tweeddale mourns the loss of one
of the bravest and manliest ol' her younger
Kons. In offering this humble tribute to his
memory I cannot do better than quote a
single sentence from a letter of sympathy,
written to his mother by the officer of his
platoon: "Your son was a splendid soldier,
and I could have spared almost any other
man in the platoon rather than your son."
We will never cease to think with pride oi
the tall, handsome, kindly, lovable lad, who
was the first of our local contingent who has
been privileged to give his life at the call of
duty in the service of his country and king.
We give God thanks for the memory of such
a life and such a death. With a proud sor-
row we leave him in the company of the kin-
dred and heroic dead who, like him, sleep
their last sleep on the field of honour in the
sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrec-
tion.
In September, 1917, the front of the Second
Army was extended northward, and Sir Her-
bert riummer took over the attack upon the
southern portion of the enemy front on the
Menin road. Our artillery tactics were re-
vised in order to cope with the German "pill-
boxes." In the early days of September the
sodden soil of the salient began slowly to dry.
The new eight mile front of attack ran from
the Ypres-Staden Eailway north of Lange-
marck to the Ypres-Comines Canal north of
Hollebeke. At dawn on the morning of the
20th September the attack was launched. The
most remarliable achievement was that of the
Scottish and South African Brigades of (ho
9th Divinion, which won their final objectives
in three hours. The crux of the battle lay in
the area of the Second Army, and the vital
point was the work of its centre along the
Menin road. The Australians by mid-day
had cleared and secured the wliolc wcstprn
half of Polygon Wood. This cracked the Ker-
nel of the German defence in the salient. The
battle of 20th September was a proof of what
heights of endurance the British soldier may
attain to. From the 21st to the 25th Septem-
ber the Germans made furious counter-
attacks upon our lines ; but made no progress.
We struck again on the 26th September. In
the centre we took the ruins of Zonnebeke
village; aad further south the Australians
carried the remainder of Polygon Wood. On
30th Septemlier the Germans renewed their
attacks, and continued until the 3rd October
They went with songs to the battle, thoj
were young.
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and
aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds
uncounted ;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
We are quite sure,
That He will give theui back, bright, pure,
and beautiful ;
We know He will bui keep
Our own, and His, until we fall asleep.
We know He does not mean
To break the strands reaching between
The Here and There.
PRIVATE GEORGE KERR
(Inneeleihen)
Black Watch.
1917. Monday, October 1.
On 1st October, at Horton War Hospital,
Epsom, of wounds received in action. Private
George Kerr, Black Watch, fourth son of
John Kerr, Traquair Road, Innerleithen.
Another St Ronan's lad made the supreme
sacrifice for his King and Country, in the
person of Private George Kerr, yomigest son
of Mr John Kerr, Station Road. When war
broke out, Private Kerr was working in
Lcithcn Mills. He joined Kitchener's .\rmy
at the very commencement of hostilities, and
after a few months' training with a bat-
talion of the Royal Scots he was drafted to
France. On September 25, 1915, 111© was
wounded at the battle of Loos. He was
afterwards transferred to a Cycle Ck)rps, and
liiially attached to the Black Watch. II© was
wounded in the head by fragments of shell
at (ho battle of Vimy Ridge, on (he Aiins
front, on the 9lh April, and ttius been more
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
107
or less in and out of hospital ever since. It
api>ears that fragments of shell were still in
his head, and it was thought they would
ultimately work out, but he died somewhat
suddenly in a hospital at Horton, Epsom.
He was 29 years of age, and of a very quiet
disposition. He had three brothers serving—
Lance-Corporal James in the K.O.S.B., Lance-
Corporal Colin in the Machine Gun Corps,
and Corporal Walter, 8th Eoyal Scots (twice
wounded). The deceased's remains were
brought home and interred in Innerleithen
Cemetery.
" Who would be raised among his friends
to fame.
And do brave deeds till light and life are
gone;
He who has thus wrought himself praise
shall have
A settled glory underneath the stars."
" Sleep soft, beloved,'^ we sometimes say,
But have no tune to charm away
Sad dreams that through the eyelids creep ;
But never doleful dreams again
Shall break the happy slumber, when
" He giveth His beloved sleep."
CAPTAIN GEORGE H. P. BARTHOLOMEW
(Beoughton)
Aegyll and Sutheeland Highlandees
1917. OcTOBEE 2 (Tuesday).
Captain George Hugh Freeland Bartholo-
mew, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
(died of wounds), was the second son of Dr
and Mrs Bartholomew, of Cardon, 4 Morton
Hall Eoad, Edinburgh, and Merlindale,
Broughton. He was educated at Merchiston
Castle School, and was entered for Corpus
Christi College, Oxford, when war broke out.
From the Merchiston O.T.C. he got a com-
mission in the Argyll and Sutherlands, and
went out to the front in June, 1916. He re-
ceived his captaincy in May this year. The
many lettei-s from his fellow officers are a
tribute to the affectionate regard and esteem
in which he was held by them, as well as by
the men of his company.
His Colonel wrote: —
" As an officer I always considered him
one full of promise; he was one of my best.
As a boy I had a great admiration for him,
apart from his work, and I miss him very
much indeed He was much loved by the
men, and extremely popular with his
brother officers. You have every reason to
be proud of him; his battalion is."
A Colonel commanding the battalion previ-
^)usly wrote: —
" He was one of the youngest officers I
had when I took over the command of the
14th A. & S. Highlanders, but I soon learn-
ed that he had the coolness and qualifica-
tions of an older person. . . Well do I
remember the gallant work of reconnais-
ance which your boy carried out at the
' Double Grassier ' — an evil spot near Lens,
on a dark night, right into the German
trenches, and the clear and useful sketch
he made next day — a piece of work on
which he was complimented by the General.
I have heard no particulars, but am quite
certain that he quitted himself as a gallant
and brave soldier right up to tbe last. He
was a credit to his family, and to his
country."
Captain Hugh Bartholomew was mentioned
in despatches in the New Year lists after his
death. He fell October 2nd, 1917.
Capt. Dickie's article in the " Dud " is
appended : —
" Eight back in the early days of the bat-
talion he joined us, fresh from scholastic and
athletic triumphs — on the threshold of his
career.
Possessing personality and combining school-
boy enthusiasm with remarkably sound judg-
ment, he early attracted attention ; and one
felt that he was the ' right stuff,' and given
his chance, Lieut. Bartholomew would go far.
And how well founded our forecasts were.
A born soldier ! — in his commission we were
privileged to see him in his proper setting.
With that calm demeanour, begotten of
self-reliance, he was always ready to tackle
an awkward situation with the best advant-
age, and at the same time inspire confidence
in others
Courageous to a degree, he set an example
of supreme indifference to personal danger
that was peerless.
Eminently loyal and endowed with excep-
tional abilities, his assistance and co-opera-
tion were simply invaluable.
108
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Never self seeking, the interests and wel-
fare of others were ever his chief concern.
Always ready to help, no one in troulile ever
sought his aid in vain.
On first acquaintance, his innate modesty
gave rather the impression of a certain re-
serve of manner, but get behind that curtain
of shyness and you found what a truly great
sold he was.
Essentially genuine, he loathed eye-wash,
and the public parading of good qualities on
occasions — day in and day out his work bore
the hall mark of excellence. Through his
whole life ran the undercurrent of sincerity.
No fair weather friend was he— when the
day was at its blackest you instinctively felt
you had him close at your back to support
you.
In his death, as in his life, he was heroic
To such a cheery comrade as ' Barty ' one
cannot say * good-bye ' without feeling a
mighty pull at one's heart strings."
To such a tribute one appends the words of
our Poet-Laureate—
" Eejoice, ye dead, where'er your spirits
dwell,
Rejoice that yet on earth your fame is
bright ;
And that your names, remembered day and
night
Live on the lips of those that love you well,
Ye are the world's creators, and thro'
might
Of everlasting love je did e.Kcel.
Now ye are starry names, above the storm
And war of Time, and nature's endless
wrong
Ye flit, in pictured truth, and peaceful
form.
Wi'ig'd with bright music and melodious
song—
The flaming flowers of hca\cn, making May-
dance
In dear Imagination's rich pleasance."
SEOOND-LIEUTENANT HARRY T.
MAXWELL STUART.
(Tbaquair)
COLDSTEKAM GuARDS.
1!)17. OcTOBKn D (Tuesday).
Second-Lieutenant Ifarry T. Maxwell Slii-
art, l>orn at Ascot on .luly 21st, 1887, was the
Bocond son of Mr and Mrs Mu-xwelJ Stuart,
and was educated at the E.G. College of
Mount tSt Mary's, Chesterfield. He was the
third to fall out of four. After leaving col-
leg© he went out to British Columbia and
worked as land surveyor for a few years.
Subsequently Mr H. M. Stuart joined the
British Soiith African Co. in Rhodesia. On
the outbreak of war the Rhodesian Rifle
Corps was formed and with them Mr Max-
well Stuart served for a year and over.
Eventually the Corps was disbanded and he
returned to England and soon obtained a
commission and was gazetted as Second-
Lieutenant to the 3rd Battalion Coldstream
Guards in June, 1916. In the following Oct-
ober Lieut. H. M. Stuart was sent out to
France and for a time took part in railway
construction work. He subsequently rejoined
his regiment, where he was a general favour-
ite and known as a hard-working and efficient
officer. On October 9th, 1917, just as the
Guard's Brigade were commencing their ad-
vance against the German position, Lieut.
H. M. Stuart was killed instantaneously by
an enemy shell. He was buried where he
fell near Logdeudrift, about three miles
north-east of Langemarck, by a Roman
Catholic priest, and a cross was erected
marking his grave.
The following are extracts from letters re-
ceived : —
" The regiment can ill afford to lose boys
like your son. Ho was a soldier of great
promise, which was amply fulfilled when
he joined his battalion in France."
"The success (of Ihat particular portion
of the advance) was in no small measure
due to that gallant band of heroes w:ho
laid down their lives on the 9th day of
October, 1917."
Again
" He did excellent work when on railway
construction, was always cheerful and hard
working, and popular with all."
There were lean Caesars from the glory
fields
With heart that only to a .sword-thrust yields;
And there were Generals decked in pride of
rank,
I'od scab)i:ird swinging from the weary flunk;
And slender youtlis, who wore the sons of
kings.
Private Joun M'-XForran.
Broitghton.
Private Thoivias Armstrong Hume,
Innerleithen.
Gunner, John Burton,
Peebles, Manor, and I^vtnerleithen.
Private Harry ^Mjrtle,
Innerleittikn.
Lance-SkrCtT. Willie Tait,
Walkerhuen.
'^^
-^9»^.
##«»**
RiFLEJiAN David John Mackay,
Newlands ANn Skirling,
."•rucT. HonicHT French, M.M.
Walkerburn.
Privatk William. M'Intosh,
Innhrleituen and Canada.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
109
And Barons wiHi their sixteen quart«rings.
And while the nobles went with haughty air,
The courteous sentinel questioned : " Who
go«s there?"
And as each came, full lustily he cried
His string of titles ere he passed inside.
God gave ray son in trust to me ;
' Christ died for him, and he should be
A man for Clirist. He is his own,
And God's and man's; not mine alone.
He was not mine to give. He gave
Himself that he might help to save
All that a Christian should revere,
And what enlightened men hold dear.
L.et me by the Cross be warded,
By the death of Christ be guarded,
Nourished by divine supplies.
When the body death hath riven,
Grant that to the soul be given
Glories bright of paradise.
SAPPER THOMAS PULLERTON
(Eddleston)
EoTAL Engineers.
1917. October 11 (Thursdat).
Died of wounds received in action on the
7th October, 1917, Sapper Thomas Eullerton,
E.E., beloved husband of Isabella Hogg,
Carnbo, Kinross, and fifth son of William
Fullerton, Tweeddale Burn, Gorebridge.
He was severely wounded "somewhere" in
Belgium on October 7, 1917, and died in hos-
pital at St Omar on the 11th of October.
He left a widow and a son aged 3.
On the 4th the British advanced on an
eight mile front, and took 3000 prisoners. By
the 5th the total number of prisoners
amounted to 4,446. Prom the beginning of
the month there had been constant German
attacks and furious fighting on the Ypres
front.
From miry clefts of the wintry plain
He leapt with his platoon.
The morion on his forehead.
And the soul of him at noon.
With head high to the hurricane
He walked, and in his breast
He knew himself immortal.
And that death was but a jest.
A smile was on his visage
When they found him where he fell.
The gallant old companions.
In an amaranthine dell.
Soldier, rest. Thy warfare o'er.
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking.
Dream of fighting fields no more,
Morn of toil nor night of waking.
FARRIER CORPORAL DONALD
M'GLASHAN.
(Eddleston)
Royal Field Artillery.
1917. October 12 (Friday)
Killed Ijy a shell on the 12th October, Far-
rier Corporal Donald M'Glashan, E.F.A.,
youngest son of the late Donald M'Glashan,
Eddleston, and husband of Emma Ellis, 23
I.adyloan, Arbroath.
He fell at Ypres, his body was buried at
the village of Popperain. His nephew of the
same name fell on June 23rd, 1915. The
nephew's father lived at Eosebery Eeservoir,
and the nephew wrought at Rie forges at
Eddleston and at Ayton.
Sapper Fullerton, at Tweeddale Burn, and
Farrier M'Glashan, at Eosebery, were near
neighbours.
Weak with our wounds and our thirst.
Wanting our sleep and our food,
After a day and a night —
God, shall we ever forget.
Beaten and broke in the fight.
But sticking it, sticking it yet.
Trying to hold the line,
Fainting and spent and done,
Always the thud and the whine.
Always the yell of the Hun.
Northumberland, Lancaster, York,
Durham and Somerset.
Fighting alone, worn to the bone.
But sticking it, sticking it yet.
. . . In the pauses of the sound
I hear the children's laughter as they roam.
And then their mother calls, and aU around
Eise up the gentle murmurs of a home.
But still I gaze afar, and at the sight
My whole soul softens to its heartfelt
prayer,
" Spirit of Justice, Thou for whom they fight.
Ah, turn in mercy, to our lads out there.''
PRIVATE JOHN M'MORRAN
(Broughton)
KoYAL Scots.
1917. October 19 (Friday).
Private John McMorran, formerly shepherd,
Kilbucho Mill, enlisted at Glen corse Bar-
racks on 24th May, 1915, and joined the
Eoyal Scots. He was trained at Edinburgh,
Selkirk, Masham Draycott, and Larkhill.
110
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
He was sent to France on 30th January,
1916, wounded on 9tli March, 1917, and re-
turned to the front on 1st August, 1917.
Died of wounds received in action on 19th
Octoljer, 1917. The Jledal for Meritorious
Service was awarded on 2nd January, 1917,
which his widow, who resided with her
family at Sinallburn, Muirkirk, received after
bis death.
The following letter was received by his
widow : —
Dear Mrs McMorran,— It is with deepest
regret that I have to inform you about
your husband. He was wounded on the
19th, and we hav© just had information
that he heis succumbed from his wounds
on that date. He will be greatly missed
by everyone in the Company, including my-
self, as he was always so cheerful and
happy and always had such a pleasant face.
And when the burning moment breaks,
.4nd all things else are out of mind,
And only joy-of-battle takes
Him by the throat, and makes him blind,
Through joy and blindness he shall know.
Not caring much to know, that still
Nor lead nor steel shall reach him, so
That it be not the Destined Will.
The thundering line of battlel stands,
.4nd in the air death moans and sings;
But day shall clasp him with strong hands,
And night shall fold him in soft wings.
Light green of grass and richer green of
bush
Slope upwards to the darkest green of fir;
How still. How deathly still. And yet tihe
hush
Shivers and trembles with some subtle stir,
Some far-off throbbing, like a muffled drum,
Beaten in broken rhythm over sea.
To play the last funeral march of some
Who die to-day that Europe may be free.
when they had resided for about a year in
Innerleithen. Gunner Alexander Burton, the
third son, was fated to go next, in six months.
Such were the sorrows ot parents in the
Gr6at War. Gunner John Burton was en-
gaged as a ploughman at Boghill, Braehead,
in Carnwath, when he enlisted in January,
1915, and fought in France for fifteen months.
Five weeks before he fell he was home on
leave. His age was twenty-three. His body
was buried in a cemetery near Ypres.
Between October 9 and 12, there had been
a great British and French attack before
Ypres, when three thousand prisoners were
taken from the Germans. Several objectives
were captured as a result. On the 22nd the
British made another advance near Ypres, at
Poelkapelle. On the 19th, in the midst of
these operations. Gunner John Burton fell.
His brother-in-law, George Dick, was one of
the earliest Peebles men to fall, leaving a
widow and young family.
His mother bids him go without a tear ;
His sweetheart walks beside him, proudly
gay,
" No coward have I loved," her clear eyes
say—
The band blares out and all the townsfolk
cheer.
From each familiar scene his inner eye
Turns to far fields by Titans rent and torn ;
For in that struggle must hig soul be born
To look upon itself and live— or die.
Eemember me when I am gone away.
Gone far away into the Silent Land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor T half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day.
You tell me of our future that yo\i planned-
Only remember me: you understand
It will be late to counsel then or prnj
GUNNER JOHN BURTON
(Peebles, Mange and Innerleithen)
Royal Field Artillery.
1917. OoTOBKR 19 (Friday).
Of Mr and Mrs John Burton's two sons
who were doomed to fall at the front, the
youngcHl son, John, was the first to make tho
great sacrifice on the 19th October, 1917,
PRIVATE THOMAS ARMSTRONG HUME
(Inneeleithi n)
Eoyal Scots.
1917. Ootobbu 22 (Monday).
Mr Hume, Leithen Crescent, Innerleithen,
received official intimation that his son, Pri-
vate Thomas Hume, Royal Scots, had been
reported missing since the 22nd October.
Private Hume, who was 23 years of age.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Ill
joined up in 1916, and went out to France
early in the year, but was invalided home
sliortly afterwards, and went out again later.
At the time of his enlistment he was a wool-
sorter in Leithen Mills.
"I now take the liberty of writing to you to
let you know under what circumstances your
brother was struck. Well, we left our bil-
lets on Saturday night, the 20th October, to
go up to the front line to relieve a battalion
there, and as your brother and I were in
the same platoon we were quite near each
other going, and a long weary tramp we
had, though I can tell you he was in the
very best of spirits. We arrived at our
position some time on Sunday morning, and
on arriving there had to dig ourselves in,
and it was while we were doing that job
that your brother was struck. There were
only six or seven of the whole platoon left,
including your brother, when we did arrive
up in our position, and we had only to dig
a big enough place to hold the lot of us,
about three or four yards long. I was dig-
^ging about the middle, and your brother
was at one end (I think there were just two
chaps between us), and suddenly one of them
said to our officer, " Hume is struck."
Well, we lifted him up out of the bottom of
the hole we were digging, because the water
was coming into it, and I am sorry to say
he was past all human aid, so I may tell
you straight that he suffered no pain,
neither did he speak, for he was dead when
we lifted him up. When Ave saw that he
was dead, we lifted him right up out of the
trench we were in, for if we had left him
in it he would have sunk, it was so marshy,
and also we knew that if we had a success-
ful advance on the Monday morning, his
remains would be found and would receive
a proper burial. On the Sunday afternoon
we had to leave that place we were in, for
the water went over our waists, and we had
a chance of getting drowned ; but we went
only fifty yards away, and your brother's
body was still where we left it. It was on
the Monday morning that I got struck, and
I dont know how the boys that were left
got on, so that these are the best details of
your brother's death that I can give you.
It was up on the left of Ypres that it hap-
pened, on the Langemarck sector."
Then praise the Lord Most High
Whose strength hath saved us whole.
Who bade us choose that the Flesh should die
And not the living Soul.
To the God in man displayed —
Where'er we see that Birth,
Be love and understanding paid
As never yet on earth.
To the Spirit that moves in Man,
On Whom all worlds depend.
Be Glory since our world began
And service to the end.
PRIVATE HARRY MIRTLE
(Innerleithen)
12th Eoyal Scots.
1917. October 22 (Monday).
Private Harry Mirtle, Eoyal Scots, killed
along with Willie Tait and Robert French,
both of Walkerburn, by a shell from an
aeroplane. His wife resided at Marmion
Cottage, Innerleithen. He was aged 31 and
enlisted at the outbreak of war. He went
to France in. May, 1915, and was on active
service up till his death. He was a baker,
and had also been in Caerlee Mill, and was a
goalkeeper in the Vale of Leithen Associa-
tion Club.
He enlisted on the last day of August, 1914,
and trained at Aldershot and at Bramshott.
He was engaged in a great deal of heavy
fighting.
Daisies leaping in foam on the green grasses.
The dappled sky and the stream that sings
as it passes;
These are bought with a price, a bitter fee,
They die in Flanders to keep these for me.
We rose, and greeted our brothers, and wel-
comed our foes.
We rose; like the wheat when the wind is
over, we rose.
With shouts we rose, with gasps and incred-
ulous cries.
With bursts of singing, and silence, and
awestruck eyes,
With broken laughter, half tears, we rose
from the sod.
With welling tears and with glad lips,
whispering, " God."
112
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
LANCE-SERGT. WILLIE TAIT
(Walkerbden)
Royal Scots.
1917. October 22 (Monday).
Word was received from an Innerleithen
lad in France of the death of three local
men in the Royal Scots throug'h the bursting
of a bomb dropped from an aeroplane on 22nd
October, 1917. They were Lance-Sergeant
William Tait, whose friends resided in Vic-
toria Place, Walkerbiirn; Private Hari-j
Mirtle, whose wife resided in Marmion Cot-
tage, Innerleithen ; and Sergeant Robert
French, whose wife resided in Hall Street,
Walkerburn.
Lance-Sergeant Willie Tait enlisted on
August 31st, 1914, and was first into the
12th Battalion of the Royal Scots on its for-
mation. After training at Aldershot he went
to France with the battalion early in May,
1915. He was wounded in December, 1916,
and was three months in hospital. After be-
ing discharged from hospital, he was sent
back to the 12th Battalion Royal Scots and
was with them up to the time of his death
on 22nd October, 1917. He waa killed along
witli other eight by a bomb from an enemy
aeroplane landing on their tent, while sit-
ting at supper, preparatory to moving into
the trenches. He is buried in an authorised
British Military Cemetery at Duhallow, one
mile north of Ypres.
Tait was aged 22, and enlisted at the out-
break of war on August 31, 1914, and went
to France in May, 1915, and had been ever
since continually on active service.
He was in Tweedvale Mill, and was a
member of the Rugby Club of Walkerburn,
Hark ! 'Tis the rush of the horses,
The crash of the galloping gun.
The s-tars are out of their courses;
The hour of doom has begun.
Leap from the scabbard, sword.
This is the day of the Lord.
Prate not of peace any longer,
Laughter and idleness and ease.
Up, every man that is stronger.
Leave but the priest on his knees.
Quick, every hand to the liilt,
Who .strikcth not— his the guilt.
For Hawthorn wreath, for bluebell glade,
For miles of buttercup that shine,
For song of birds in sun and shade
That' fortify this soul of mine,
For all May joy beneath a Scottish sky.
How sweet to live — how glad and good t(
die
SERGT. ROBERT FRENCH, M.M.
(WALKEESimN)
Royal Scots.
1917. October 22 (Monday).
Killed along with Willie Tait and Harry
Mirtle by the bursting of a shell from an
aeroplane.
He won the Military Medal for meritorious
work between April 9 and 12. He went to
France in May, 1915. He was employed in
Tweedval© Mill. His father was for 19
years Colour-Sergeant in the C'ameronians,
Scottish Rifles, and Sergeant-Major of the
6tli Royal Soots.
I regret that I cannot give you much
information, as I was only with his Bat-
talion about six months out here. He was
my Sick Corporal in the battle of Loos,
and there acted with the utmost bravery
and coolness under fire. I was not with
him when he won his M.M., nor am I
certain where or in which engagement it
was. I know it was for collecting wound-
ed under machine gun fire. I may add
tliat I always had a very high opinion of
the late Sergeant French, and found him
of the greatest assistance in my work with
the Battalion.
Copy of Reconrmendation for Military
Medal.
During operations east of Arras on 12th
April, 1917, this man did excellent work
when in charge of stretcher-bearers and
went through licavy machine-gun fire to
collect reserve stretcher-bearers to replace
o;isualties. For over two and a half
years he has done really good work as n
stretcher-bearer. (Signed),
Col. Ritson.
" It was with deep degret that I heard
yesterday of the death of your husband.
I lx>g to offer you and your family my deep
sympathy. I alway.s looked on your hus-
band as a real friend and had hoped to re-
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
113
new his acquaintance after tli© war, but
it was not to be. He was a faithful helper
to me always, and one of the coolest and
bravest men under fire I ever met. I was
delig-hted to see that his good qualities had
been recognised, and he was awarded a de*-
coration. We spent a lot of time together,
and he helped me a great deal."
" Ha%"ing known and worked side by side
with your husband for the past two years,
I find I have at this time a painful duty
to perform. It is with the deepest regret
I have to relate to you that I now stand
bereft of a comrade who was more to me
than I can ever hope to put into words.
I can (honestly assure you that your hus-
band's decease is the hardest blow yet
dealt me and I send my heartfelt sympathy
for your great loss. As a comrade, I can
speak of your husband as being a man of
courage, calm and steady, even under the
most trying circumstances. As a soldier,
"duty'^ was his watchword, and as such,
ihe was held in the highest esteem by all
who knew him. His loss, not only by me,
but by the whole Battalion, is keenly
felt. We were a short distance behind tlie
line in the vicinity of Tpres, when your
husband met his fate on the night of the
22nd inst. A bomb dropped by an enemy
aeroplane landed near to our calnp, and I
can certify that his end was quite pain-
less, as I was on the spot immediately
after the unfortunate occurrence.''
" Th© hardest part of it is, that after
coming through so mucii, to be killed by a
bomb, which knocked out five sergeants
and three privates, all old Battalion men.
He was well liked and thought of by
everybody who had anything to do with
him, as he was always so cheery and ob-
liging."
It must be sweet to slumber and forget;
To have the poor tired heart so still at last ;
Done with all yearning, done with all regret.
Doubt, fear, hope, sorrow, all forever past;
Past all the hours, or slow of wing or fleet.
It must be sweet, it must be very sweet.
The elements rage, the fiend-voices that rave,
Shall dwindle, shall blend,
Sihall change, shall become first a peace out
of pain ,
Then a light, then a breast,
O, thou Soul of my Soul, I shall clasp thee
again,
And with God be the rest.
RIFLEMAN DAVID JOHN MACKAY
(Newlands and Skieling)
Aetists' Rifles.
1917. OcTOBEE 30 (Tuesday)
David John Mackay was the elder son of
Mr Donald Mackay, gamekeeper on Lord
Carmichael of Skirling's estate, and late
of Biggar, and he was born at Toftcombs,
Biggar, on August 14th, 1891. He was
cbaufleur to a gentleman in I/iverpool when
Wiar was declared, and he speedily returned
home and joined the A.S.C.M.T., and pro-
ceeded to France in January, 1915. He ser-
ved with the Motor Transport for two years
and eight months, and was twice home on
leave. Shortly after returning to France the
third time at the end of August, 1917, he
was transferred to the infantry, and after
brief training behind the lines, he weis at-
tached to the l/28th Battalion the London
Regiment (Artists' Rifles). With this bat-
talion at the end of October he went into
his first action on the awful slopes of Pas-
schendaele, and it proved to be his last. With
many a gallant comrade of the Artists' —
oflicers and men — he went forward to storm
that stubborn ridge, and fell. The battalion
must have been sadly decimated. Some
time afterwards in the London Press were
found these memorable lines : — "To' the glor-
ious memory of the oflicers, N.CO.'s, and
men of the Artists' Rifles, who, fell at Pas-
schendaele on October 28th, 29th, and 30th,
1917."
" Forget them not, O Land for which they
fell.
May it go well with England, still go well ;
Keep her bright banners without blot or
stain.
Lest they should dream that they have died
in vain."
Private Mackay was a very regular writer
to his home, and when nothing for three
weeks followed a field post card, dated 26th
October, his parents were in a measure
prepared for the Lieutenant's letter which
bore the news that he was missing and be-
lieved to be killed. The Lieutenant said : —
"I can assure you that Private Mackay, and
indeed all hi& comrades, were very brave
men that morning, and it may be some slight
consolation to his parents to know that he
died doing his duty to his country." Private
!&fackay was a young man of proved and
Q
lU
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
sterling worth, and he had many friends,
particularly in Biggar and around, who
mourned him greatly. If the care that a
man has for his mother, and the undisguised
esteem in whioh he holds; her, be an index
to his worth— and who will deny it? — then
clearly David John Mackay was a man such
as only the mothers that have lost them can
adequately appraise. The war's deepest
wounds have been their's. In Kirkurd U.F.
Church, when Private Mackay was missing,
the Eev. D. C. Wiseman, M.A., made ap-
preciative reference to him : — "Away from
his home for some years before the war, he
worshipped only occasionally with us here
as a visitor. But during the war he had
come to regard this church as his spiritual
home, a place where fervent prayer on his
behalf was wont to be made. We mourn
for him as for the others of our company
like him where he is, and we honour his
name with theirs."
We think about you kneeling in the garden—
Ah, God, the agony of that dread garden —
We know You prayed for us upon the Cross.
If anything could make us glad to bear it,
'Twould be the knowledge that You willed
to bear it,
Pain, death, the uttermost of human loss.
Sweet be your rest. Our task is done;
The tramp of armies, boom of gun
And furious cry of savage Hun
Are silent now. The victory's won.
Peace to your souls. The victory's won
In Flemders fields.
PRIVATE WILLIAM M'INTOSH
(Innerleithen and Canada)
1917. OcTOBEB 30 (Tuesday).
Mr Wm. M'Intosh was informed that his
son, Private Wm. M'Intosh, Canadians, who
was missing in October, 1917, was now pre-
sumed killed. Private M'Intosh, who was 83
years of age, emigrated to Canada from Sel-
kirk about five years previously. He was
formerly employed as a pattern weaver with
Messrs Gibson, Lumgajr & Co., Selkirk, at
which place he was well known in associa-
tion football circles. He enlisted early in
1916, and came over to this country in
September of the same year.
I have made all enquiries possible and
can find no further news of him. I am
really distressed to have so poor informa-
tion for you, for I know only too well the
terrible anxiety you sisters, mothers and
wives suffer. However, there may be hope
that he has been taken prisoner. In my
experience I have known men positively
sworn to as killed, by men who thought
they had seen them lying dead ; others as
having disappeared as if spirited away by
some means, and yet these have turned up
as prisoners. I know it is a slender hope,
I wish I could strengthen it. But I can say
this much, that your brother was very
highly thought of by his ofiBcers, and they
all express regret that he is not with them
still. Mr Lyall just said he was a splendid
fellow. Had I known I would have writ-
ten before, but I was in hospital myself
when the battle occurred, and therefore
out of touch with the battalion. Should
I hear more I will write.
It seems like waste to others, but to you
And the thronged heroes who have paid the
price.
Yourselves, your hopes, and all you dreaimed
and knew,
Were counted as a puny sacrifice;
You knew, with keener judgment, all waa
gained.
If honour at the last shone still miBtained.
Never a message of hope.
Never a word of cheer.
Fronting Hill TO's shell-swept slope,
With the dull dead plain in our rear.
Always the whine of the shell,
Always the roar of its burst.
Always the tortures of hell,
As waiting and wincing we cursed —
Our luck and the guns and the Boche,
When our corporal shouted, "Stand to."
And I heard some one cry, "(Hear the front
for the Guards."
And the Guards came through !
PRIVATE JAMES DIOKSON
(Newlands)
EoTAL Scots.
1917. NovEMBEB 2 (Feidat).
Killed in Palestine on Friday, November
2, 1917, Private James Dickson, Royal Scots,
youngest son of Mr and Mrs Jamee Dickson,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
115
Ironstone Cottages, Lamancha, aged twenty-
four; deeply regretted.
Private Dickson was one of those public-
spirited lads who joined the twenty-three
patriots forming the West Linton Sec-
tion of the Peeblesshire Territorials in the
Spring of 1914. In November of that fate-
ful year 1914 he went along with the l/8th
Royal Scots to France. Early in 1915 he
was wounded in the forehead by a sniper,
while acting as Trench Sentry. Again in April,
1915, he was wounded in the right arm and
chest at Festubert. In November of the Bame
year he fell a victim to enteric fever and re-
covered. In 1916 he was stationed at Peebles,
where he was in touch with his relatives. Thei-e-
after he was drafted in the l-7th Royal Soots to
Egypt. In April, 1917, he was engaged in the
first battle of Gaza, and fell in the second battle
of Ga^a on the 2nd November, 1917. Death
was instantaneous), and he sufiered no pain.
James Dickson was an honest, upright, cheer-
ful lad, greatly beloved.
Sleep on, sleep on, ye resting dead :
The grass is o'er ye growing
In dewy greenness. Ever fled
From you hath Care : and, in its stead,
Peace hath with you its dwelling made,
Where tears do cease from flowing.
I cannot feel that thou art far.
Since near at need the angels are :
And when the sunset gates unbar,
Shall I not see thee waiting stand.
And white, against the evening star,
The welcome of thy beckoning hand ?
FBIVATE THOMAS MATHIESON
(Stobo)
Royal Scots.
1917. November 2 (Fribay).
Word was received that Private Thomas
Mathieson, Royal Scots, had been killed in
action in Palestine on 2nd November. Prior to
enlisting in the 4th Royal Scots (Q.E.R.V.B.),
on the outbreak of the war, he was employed
in Stobo Castle gardens. The deceased, whose
parents resided at 1 Tinto Place, Bennington
Road, Leith, was about 50 years of age.
The late Private T. B. Mathieson, 201155,
l/4th Royal Scots, Lewis Gun Section', was
killed in action in Palestine on November
2nd, 1917. After he left Stobo Castle he
was foreman gardener at Ardoch, Braco, and
Strathallaji Castle and Kilfauna Castle, when
he joined up in November, 1915.
On November 1 we defeated the Turks neaj
Gaza, having captured Beersheba on the pre-
vious day with 1800 Turks and 9 guns. On
November 2, when Private Mathieson fell, we
captured positions to the north of Beersheba.
" He was killed instantaneously by a bullet
on Friday morning, 2/11/17, while making a
gallant attempt to bring his Lewis gun into
action. He was a good soldier, and his cheery
nature made him very popular with his com-
rades. I shall certainly feel his loss greatly.."
" Tom was a most exemplary young man,
and was very w«ll liked by every one here.
Personally, I had a great regard for him, and
it is very sad to think that he is now no more.
I heard about him from time to time. What
a number of sad homes there are all over the
country. ' '
" He was a nice lad, and I can safely eay
one of the finest fellows I ever had the plea-
sure of meeting. While he was with me I
always felt I could go and leave the place in
safe hands, and I don't think I ever had a
man I was so sorry to lose, although he went
only to- better himself, and I know that the
man he went to was as highly pleased with
him. This war has indeed taken toU of the
finest. There is nothing I can say to you that
will heal the wound for you, only it must be
a satisfaction to have had such a son."
When Death ha® crossed my name from off the
roll
Of dreaming children, serving in this war :
And vrith these earthly eyes I gaze no more
Upon dear Scotland's face — perhaps my soul
Will visit streets down which I used tO' stroll
At sunset-charmed dusks, when cities' roar
Like ebbing surf on some Atlantic shore
Would trance the ear. Then may I hear no toll
Of heavy bells to burden all the air
With tuneless grief : for happy will I be.
What place on Earth could ever be more fair
Than God's own presence? Mourn then not
for me.
Nor write, I pray, " He gave," upon my clod,
" His life for Scotland," but " his soul to God."
116
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE WALTER DALGLEISH
(Traquaib)
Black Watch.
1917. NovEsiBEE 6 (Tuesday).
Dalgleish. — Killed in action, in Egypt, on
the 5th November, Pte. Walter Dalgleish,
Black Watch, aged 18 years, deai'ly beiloved
eldest son of William and Annie Dalgleish,
Hilton, Markinch, Fife, late of Kailzie Mains,
Peebles. Very deeply mourned.
The midnight stars are gleaming
On Egypt's sultry plain ;
It's there our gallant laddie
Lies numbered with the slain.
His father's pride, his mother's joy —
0' dearly did we love our boy;
Sisters and brothers sadly mourn
A brother dear who'll ne'er return.
On the morning of the 5th November, 1917,
the Battalion was ordered to attack a strong
Turkish position, defended by trench redoubts
and stone " sanquars." The advance extended
over several miles under a very hot fire from
artillery, machine guns, bombs, and rifles, and
as the country consisted of open rolling plains
of brown earth there was practically no shelter
for the attacking forces. Walter passed through
it all safely till well on in the afternoon, when
there only remained a few more positions to
take. Then he was hit in the forehead by a
bullet and died very soon afterwards. He was
buried with other fallen, comrades in a Turkish
trench about seven miles north of Beeraheba.
It was 24th September, 1917, when he landed
in Egypt, so he was little more than six weeks
out when he was killed.
Tliy dear brown eyes which were as depths
whei'e truth
Lay bowered with frolic joy, but yesterday
Shone with the fire of thy so guileless youth.
Now ruthless death has dimmed and closed
for aye.
Tliose sweet red lips, that never knew the stain
Of angry words or harsh or thoughts unclean,
Have .sung their last gay song. Never again
Shall I the harvest of their laughter glean.
PRIVATE T. ST J. STOBIE
(Innkrleithen and Canada)
Canadians.
1917. novkmdhr 12.
Died of wounds, on 12l.li November, Private
T. S(, .1. Htol)ic, Canadians, son of the late
William Stobie, Esq., solicitor, Innerleithen,
and grandson of the Eev. Jardine Wallace,
minister of Traquair. He was wounded in the
head and never regained conscioasness. On this
day there was heavy .shelling on the Ypres
front, and after the Canadians had captured
Passohendaele on the 6th, there had been con-
tinuous iGerman artillery attacks, especially on
Nov. 10, 11, and 12.
Christ in 1'landees.
Though we forgot You, You will not forget us —
We feel so sure that You will not forget us,
But stay with us until this dream is past.
And so we ask for courage, strength and pardon,
Especially, I think, we ask for pardon.
And that Y'ou will stand beside us to the
last.
" They shall not grow old, as we that are left
grow old ;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years
condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the
morning
We shall remember them."
" As the stars that shall be bright when we are
dust.
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of
our darkness.
To the end, to the end, they remain."
PRIVATE JOHN Y. OLARK
Eddleston.
(Royal Scots)
1917. November 12 (Monday).
Died of wounds received in action in Pales-
tine, 12th November, 1917, Pte. John Y. Clark,
Royal Scots, in his 28th year, beloved eldest sou
of Andrew and Mary Clark, 9 Ingliston Street,
Edinburgh (late of Skiprig, Portmore, Eddle-
ston) ; deeply mourned. 6th August, 1015 — Left
Peebles for Dardanelles; 15th September, 1915
—Landed at Qallipoli; 15th Nov., 1915— 7th
Royal Scots make attack ; 19th Dec. 1915 — 7fch
Royal Scots relieve the R.S.F.; 4th July, 1916
—Left Qallipoli for Mndros on board the
' ICrmino " ; transferred in mid-ocean to the
"Campinella" ; arrive in Mudros 2Gtli Jany. ;
left on 30th Jany. on board the " Cardigan-
shire " for Alexandria; arrived in Alexandria
on tth Feb., ]!)16. Wont to nclioiwlis, thence to
Baltah. 1st March, moved to El Kantara, to
PinvATK Ja:«es Dickson,
, Newlands.
I'lMVATE Walter ]Jalgleish,
Tbaquaie.
Private Thomas Mathieson,
Stobo.
Private T. St J. Stobie,
Inneeleithex and Canada.
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I'HHIll.KS AND VVkST I/INTON.
ruivATE Geokge Scott.
JlANOlt.
Captain 1*ati!ick J)ic'ic Booth. D.S.O. jM.C'.
TWEKUSMUII;. iNNMtLlilTIIEN AND CanAJiA.
Pkivate William Souter,
Newlands.
Warrant Oefri:k John Liii.LESriE,
Eddleston.
SlGNALLEU U. JaMIESON,
Edbt.eston.
Private Wii,i.iaji H. Walker,
Traquaik.
I'liivATK John Fouans,
EUULKSTON AMI OaNAIM.
I'lllVATM Will, 1AM lll'N'IKl!,
'I'liAcir VIII.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
117
Mohendyia; 12th June left El Kantara
to go home. Eecalled on 1st August for
Eomani operations on 4th August ; left 15th
Sept. for furlough home. Arrived home 4th
October, 1916. Left home 13th March, 1917,
for E5:ypt again ; arrived 1st April in time for
operations on 17th April, 1917. Killed Novem-
ber l'2th, 1917, and buried November 13th at
Esdud (Ashdod of the Bible).
Sometimes at the dead of night
I see them come —
The darkness is suffused with great light
From that radiant, countless host :
No face but vrhat is triumphant there,
A flaming crown of youth imperishable they
wear.
A thousand years that passed have gained what
we to-day have lost,
The splendour of their sacrifice for years to
come.
PRIVATE JAMES AITKEN
Broughton.
(8th Eoyal Scots)
1917. Nov. 13 (Tuesday).
Private James Aitken, formerly gardener at
Humbie, joined the 3/8th Royal Scots in May,
1916, went to France in September the same
year, being attached to the 1st Battalion Eoyal
Scots Fusiliers ; missing 13th November, 1916 ;
reported killed in November, 1917.
He left a widow and two children, who reside
at Whitslade, Broughton.
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to
die."
Theije w^as hostile artillery active east of
Ypres, and skirmishing activity around Ypres,
also at Arras. On Nov. 6 the Canadians cap-
tured Passchendaele. This ended the third
battle of Ypres. Successful raids near Presnoy
and Armentieres followed. For several days
thereafter there was much shelling by Germans
of Ypres and Passchendaele salient.
" He struggled for a while, then dimly smiled,
Wrapped in the comradeship of happy things,
Before he entered like a wondering child
The heritage of Kings."
All that a man might ask thou hast given me,
Britain,
Yet grant thou one thing more :
That now when envious foes would spoil thy
splendour.
Unversed in arms, a dreamer such as I,
May in thy ranks be deemed not all unworthy,
Scotland, for thee to die.
CHRISTOPHER HUNTER
Newlands.
(4th Eoyal Scots)
1917. NovEMBEE 17 (Satdeday)
Christopher Hunter joined the Eeserve Bat-
talion of the 4th Eoyal Scots when they were
stationed at Loanhead about the end of 1915 or
beginning of 1916. After a period of training
he was selected for the draft, and was sent out
to Egypt at the end of 1916. He was in most
of the figliting in the advance on Gaza, and was
killed on the 17fch November, 1917, in the
second battle of Gaza. He was aged 40 years.
Christopher never held any rank. He was
offered promotion as an N.C.O. several times
and recommended for commission rank, but pre-
ferred to remain a private.
He was the youngest son of the late David
Hunter, J. P., D.L., of Blackness, Forfarshire,
and was born at Portobello.
He was educated at the Edinburgh Institu-
tion.
He was good at all games, but golf was the
game in which he shone most. He was a
scratch player in the 'Uoyal Musselburgh
Golf Club.
Private Hunter was a brother of David
Hunter of Macbiehill.
Cast away regret and rue.
Think what you are marching to.
Little live : great pass
Jesus Christ and Barabbas
Were found the same day.
This died ; that went his way.
So sing with joyful breath.
For why? You are going to death.
Teeming earth will surely store
All the gladness that you pour.
They had so much to lose : their radiant laughter
Shook my old walls — ihow short a time ago.
I hold the echoes of their song hereafter
Among the precious things I used to know.
Their cup of life was full to overflowing.
All earth had laid its tribute at their feet.
What harvest might we hope from such a sow-
ing?
What noonday from a dawning so complete?
PRIVATE WILLIAM BAIGRIE
Peebles.
(Highl.4nd Light Infaktry)
1917. November 30 (Peiday).
In November, 1917, the British were fighting
in the neighbourhood of Cambrai. On the 20th
118
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance
they took part of the Hindenburg Line, captur-
ing 11,000 prisoners and 138 guns. Upon the
24tli and 25th there was much heavy fighting
at Borlon village, near Cambrai. On 30th
November the Germans made a great attack at
Cambrai, and the British were forced back with
considerable loss. But on 1st December the
British recaptured Gonnelieu, near Cambrai.
Private William Baigrie, of the 5th Battalion
of the Highland Light Infantry, was engaged
in all this heavy fighting. He fell on St
Andrew's Day, 1917, on the Cambrai front, after
five months' service abroad. He was born in
Elcho Street, Peebles, on the 2nd December,
1889, and was aged 27 when he fell. His wife
was Agnes Dickson, Gowanlea, West Linton.
Still I see them coming, coming.
In their ragged broken line.
Walking wounded in the sunlight,
Clothed in cnajesty divine.
For ihe faii-est of the lilies,
That God's fairest summer sees.
Ne'er was clothed in royal beauty
Such as decks the least of these.
Tattered, torn, and bloody khaki.
Gleams of white flesh in the sun,
Eaiment worthy of their beauty.
And the great things they have done.
Purple robes ind snowy linen
Have for earthly kings sufficed.
But these bloody sweaty tatters
Were the robes of Jesus Christ.
PRIVATE GEORGE SCOTT
(Manor)
Scots Guards.
1917. November 30 (Friday).
Killed in action by a shell on November 30,
1917, Private George Scott, Scots Guards,
youngest son of the late George Scott, Glack,
Manor, aged 22 yeare.
Private George Scott, 15793, Scots Guards,
was rejected in June, 1915; accepted in June,
1916; wemt to France February, 1917; killed
on November 30th, 1917, by shell fire.
His life for his country he nobly gave. Thie
was on the Cambrai Front. The enemy were
attacking the salient at 'Vendhuille, Bourlon
Wood, and MoBuvres, penetrating th© British
position as far a.s Dii Vacquario and Oouzeuu-
court. The British counter-attack regained La
Vacquarie. On this day fell George Scott of
the Scots Guards. George was the yoamgest of
the Scotta. His brother John fell on July 31,
1917.
How should I grieve? His life inspired in me
A joy that shall outlive eternity,
Wrought out, complete, unsnared by time and
age,
His jewelled past my priceless heritage.
In cheerful agony, with jest and mirth.
They shared the bitter solitude of Christ
In a new Garden of Gethsemane,
Gethesemane walled in by crested earth.
PRIVATE WILLIAM SOUTEB.
(Newlands)
1917. December.
Amongst the men who have fallen while fight-
ing for their country on one or other of the
many Fronts, we have now to add the name
of William Souter. He was employed with Mr
Fleming, blacksmith. West Linton, and lived
with his brother-in-law, Mr Niddrie, at Bog-
house. An obliging lad, hia death was much
regi'etted by a large number of friends.
After the great attack by the Germans on
the Cambrai Front on the 30th November,
Gonnelieu was recovered, but the British with-
drew from the Masnieres salient. The enemy
attacked heavily at Bourlon Wood, and claimed
4000 prisoners and 60 guns. On the day fol-
.owing the enemy tried in vain to recover high
ground about La Vacquarie. There was further
fighting north of Pa<ssohendaele. Gn^ the 3rd
the Briti&li gained some ground south-west ol
Polygon Wood, Ypres.
Who hath a soul that will glow not.
Set face to face with the foe?
" Is life worth living?" I know not :
Death is worth dying I know.
Aye, I would gamble with hell.
And — losing such stakes — say " 'Tis well."
ii;3teeming less the forfeit that he paid
Than undislionoured that his flag might
float
Over the towers of liberty, he made
Hia breast the bulwark and liia blood the
moat.
Obscurely sacrificed, his nameless tomb.
Bare of the sculptor's art, the j>oct'a lines,
Summer shall flush witli pojipy-fields in bloom.
And Autumn sliall yellow with matunng
vines.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
119
OAPTADT PATRICE DICE BOOTH,
D.S.O., M.C.
(TWKEDSMUIB. InNEEXEITHEN AND CaNADA)
EoTAL Field Aetillert.
1917. Decembeb, 1 (Sattoidat).
Previously reported wounded and missing,
December 1, 1917, now officially reported died
the same day. Captain Patrick Booth, E.F.A.,
D.S.O., M.C., aged 31, only son of Mr and
Mrs Patrick Booth, Aligarh, Liberton.
He was a grandson of the late Eev. Patrick
Booth, minister of Innerleithen. He was a
graduate of Edinburgh University, and re-
ceived a commission in September, 1914. He
was severely wounded at the landing at Galli-
poli, but was able to rejoin in time for the
28|th June, on which day he won the Military
Cross, and did work that caused him to be
mentioned in despatches. He was 31.
Captain Booth, R.F.A., D.S.O., M.C., was
killed at Cambrai on the 1st December, 1917,
in his 31st year. He was a Peeblesshire man
through and through. His paternal grand-
father was the late Rev. Patrick Booth, M.A.,
minister of Innerleithen. His grandmother
was Eobina Williamson, daughter of Alex-
ander Williamson, writer, and Town Clerk
of Peebles. His mother's father was the Eev.
John Dick, minister of Tweedsmuir, and he
was born in the house of his aunt, Mrs
Tweedie Stoddart, of Oliver, Tweedsmuir. He
began his education at Bonnington School,
Peebles, and afterwards was a student and
graduate of Edinburgh University. He was
keenly interested in gunnery, and while a
student was an efficient member of the Edin-
burgh University Battery. Starting his
career as a surveyor in Canada, hig qualities,
personal and professional, secured him a
practice and reputation that seldom fall to
one so young. For some time previous to the
war he held a commission in the Royal Ar-
tillery, Canada, and on that day fateful for
the world— the 4th of August, 1914-he cabled
home that he was coming home to volunteer.
He was on board the ship before night. After
undergoing training on this side, he joined
the 29th Division, and took part in the land-
ing at Gallipoli. He commanded the first two
guns that were brought ashore, and there he
received his first wound in the service of the
King. His gallantry and devotion to duty in
this campaign brought him mention in
despatches and the decoration of the Military
Cross. In France, the same soldierly quali-
ties brought him rapid promotion. In the
end, as it happened, he fell not among his
own men, but where he was most sorely need-
ed, leading the infantry on what was one of
the hottest and most critical days of the
whole war — when the Germans came over on
the Cambrai front.
On the 30th November Captain Booth along
with a machine gunner of — Division, held
the ridge opposite the — Brigade gun posi-
tions for several hours against the enemy ad-
vancing to the attack in dense formation.
He succeeded in holding the Germans back
until such time as some sort of organised de-
fence could be arranged.
On the 1st December the enemy succeeded
in capturing . A party of infantry
was sent to clear the enemy from the village.
Captain Booth joined this party, led them
along the street, captured five of the enemy,
and cleared the whole north end of the vill-
age. He then led the infantry to clear the
south end of the village, and walked right
into a party of the enemy, some twenty
strong, armed with bombs. Captain Booth's
party immediately fired with good effect, but
the enemy dropped three bombs, wounding
Captain Booth mortally. He lay in No Man's
Land for ten minutes before he wag rescued,
and carried back to that part of the village
held by our troops, and was bandaged up and
taken immediately to the dressing station,
but nis injuries were so severe that he sur-
vived only for a few hours. Captain Booth
died regretted by all, from the General to the
youngest gunner — for, in the words of tie
chaplain, he " was the best loved officer in
the brigade." For his splendid services at
Cambrai he was awarded the D.S.O. He
made the supreme ungrudging sacrifice,
faithful to the end. enduring hardship, a good
soldier of Jesus Christ. He fought a good
fight, and kept the faith. Truly a splendid
120
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
record, of which lus sorrowing relatives may
well be proud.
Blow out, you Bugles, over the rich Dead.
There's none of these so lonely and poor of
old
But, dying, has made us rarer gifts than gold.
These laid the world away: poured out the
red
Sweet wine ot youth : gave up the years to be
Of work and joy, and that unhoped serene,
That men call age: and those who would
have been.
Their sons, they gave, their immortality.
When kings and captains die, the world
regrets them :
My boy was proud to serve the self-same
State.
Proud though he died, and all but I forget
him,
I do not grudge him, for the Cause was
great.
WARRANT OFFICER JOHN GILLESPIE
(Eddleston)
1917. Decembeb 17 (Monday).
Died in hospital on December 17, 1917, of
Black water fever while on lacttive service.
Join Gillespie, C.E, aged 38 years, eldest
son of Mr and Mrs Gillespie, Eddleston
^choolhouse. He was of the Nyassaland
Volunteer Reserves. He was a native of
Eddleston and educated at tlie public school
there, and at Watson's College, Edinburgh.
He joined the Engineers' Staff of the N.B.
Railway as a draughtsman, and afterwards
proceeded to South Africa, where he waa
engaged on the Central South African Rail-
ways, and assisted in the construction of
tlie Port Sudan railway, and similar under-
takings in Rhodesia. Since the outbreak of
war, he was employed in Government work
in British Central Africa, and responding to
the call of his country, he joined t(he Vol-
unteer reserve in Nyassaland, and took part
in the campaign in German East Africa.
Ho was speedily promoted to the rank of
Warrant Officer, and though he escaped
the bullets of the enemy, and saw that colony
fall into the hands of the British, he was strick-
en with fever and removed to hospital. It
was hoped that his constitution would pull
him through, as he was a man of splendid
physique, but that hope was not realised.
for he succumbed to the disease on Decem-
ber 17. His brother is an officer in the
Scafortlh Highlanders, for whom and his
parents and two sisters, much sympathy is
felt.
" Tliie King commands m© 'to assure
you of the tnie sympathy of His Majesty
and the Queen in your sorrow." — Secretary
of State Colonial Office.
The Rev. R. H. Stevenson (locum tenens)
said :—
" He volunteered his services in a coun-
try where the soldier runs as much risk
from the climate as from the enemy, and
now, when the country has been cleared
of the enemy, and his parents were look-
ing forward to seeing their son after an
absence of ten years, he has fallen the
victim of an illness, which was probably
brought on by liis strenuous work as a
despatch-rider in so deadly a climate. He
has fallen in the service of his country;
he has fallen in the defence of those
Christian principles for which our country
is contending, and we know that his par-
ents could wisih for their son no nobler
death than this. They must be proud of
the part which he had taken in the Great
War ; of the work which he had accom-
plislied, and of the great sacrifice which
he has made, and yet we know that their
hearts must be broken at the thought of
the life which, has been cut off in its
prime, and at the thought that never again
will they see tlie face of him who was so
dear to them. Our thoughts are with them
to-day in their sorrow, and our hearts go
out in sympathy Avith them, and with
their family in the great loss which they
have sustained."
Beyond the flight of time,
Beyond tliis vale of death,
There surely is some blessed clime
Where life is not a breath ;
Nor life's affections, transient fire
Whose sparks fly upwards to expire.
This is thy hour, Soul, Uiy free flight into
the wordless,
Away from books, away from art, tlio day
erased, the lesson done.
Then fully forth emerging, silent, gazing,
pondering the themes thou lovest beat,
Night, sloop, death, and the stars.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
121
SIGNALLER O. JAMIESON
(Eddleston)
AEGTLL and SrTHEEIiAND HiGHLANDEBS.
1917. December 25 (Tuesday).
Died at a Casualty Clearing Station,
France, on Christmas Day. from bomb
■Wounds, received on 23rd December, 1917,
Signaller G. Jamieson, Argyll and Suther-
land Highlanders, aged 36, dearly beloved
husband of Isabella Work, Foresthill, Ed-
dleston.
Signaller 6. Jamieson joined up on July
25, 1916, from Foresthill, Eddleston.
Signaller G. Jamieson, 7tih A. & S. H. (51st
Division), went to France on June 14th,
1917. He saw much heavy fighting in Sept-
ember up near Tpres and was shell-shocked
on 19th of the same month. He also saw
severe fighting at the Cambrai front, where
the signallers suffered very heavy losses.
They lost their captain there and all their
officers about the 23rd of November, 1917.
The Specialist Section was on their way out
for a rest after their hard struggle at Cam-
brai when he met his death. He was wound-
ed on Sunday, 25th December, and died at
No. 3 CCS. on Christmas Day. In a letter
from his Commanding Officer, he stated that
tihe eiiemj aircrafti had followed them
wherever they went, and that night, just as
they had Iain down to rest, a big raiding
party came over and dropped a big amount
of bombs. A great many of the section
were killed and wounded. All spoke with
the higihest praise of Signaller G. Jamieson,
and one officer said he was loved by all
who knew him.
He was a mason to trade before coming to
Earlyvale.
In the Gates of Death rejoice.
We see and hold the good —
Bear witness, Earth, we have made our
choice
With freedom's brotherhood.
Then praise the Lord Most High,
Whose strength hath saved us whole,
Who bade us choose that the flesh should die
And not the living soul.
If death come,
And take thy dear one, be thou dumb.
Nor gratify with suppliant breath
The attentive insolence of death.
Suffer thy dear one to depart
In silence; silent in thy heart,
From this forth, be thy dear one's name.
So I, that would not put to shame
So dear a memory dead, repeat
No more the sweet name once too sweet.
Nor, from that buried name, remove
The haughty silence of my love.
PRIVATE JOHN FORGIE
(Eddleston and Canada)
Canadians.
1918. Janttaet 15 (Satuedat).
Died in hospital, on 15th January, Private
John Eobert Forgie, Canadians, youngest son
of the late John Forgie, gamekeeper. Cringle,
tie, Peebles, and Mrs Forgie, Dalswiniton,
Dumfries, in his 25th year.
His father used to be gamekeeper at Cring-
letie. He succumbed in hospital after an
operation on his arm. His mother and sister
were employed at Dalswinton House, Dum-
friesshire. They sustained a great shock as
they had not known that he was ill. Pre-
vious to going to Canada, he was employed
by James Robertson, grocer, Peebles. He
wag in his 25th year.
On the 12tih December the British made
a successful raid at I,oos and dispersed four
German raids south of Lens and east of
Monchy. On the 13th, there was a raid by
Canadians north of Lens, which was repeat-
ed by the Britisih on the following day, the
14th. On those days also the British were
successfully bombing various German cities.
The least touch of their hands in the
morning,
I keep it by day and night;
Their least step on the stairs at the doorway,
Still throbs through me, tho' ever so light.
Their least gift that they left to my child-
hood.
Far off, in the long ago years.
Is now turned from a toy to a relic,
And seen through the crystals of tears.
122
County of Peebles Book; of Remembrance.
PRIVATE WILLIAM H. WALKER
(TEAQUAIil)
Third Royal Scots.
1918. Janltabt 22.
William H. Walker enlisted in tlie 3rd
Royal Scats in January, 1917. He was draft-
ed to France in March of the same year, and
■was reported missing on Tuesday, tihe 22nd
January, 1918, when with the 13th Battalion
Royal Scots. He was the son of Mr Wm.
Walker, Traquair, and was employed in the
carding-room of Caerlee Mills, Innerleithen.
He had a brother, John, in the Black
Watch in Prance.
Life. We've been long together
Through pleasant and through cloudy
weather ;
'Tis hard to part when friends are dear.
Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear;
Then steal away, give little warning.
Choose thine own time;
Say not. Goodnight, but in some brighter
clime
Bid me, Good-morning.
PRIVATE WILLIAM HUNTER
(TEAQUAnt)
4th SEArOETH HlGHLANDEES.
1918. (Beginning).
Private William Hunter joined the 6th Sea-
forth Highlanders in the summer of 1916.
but was soon transferred to the 4th Seaforths.
He went to France in 1916, but in the spring
ot 1917 was back in hospital in Aldershot,
suffering from scarlet fever. He returned to
France in the beginning of September, 1917,
and was in and out of the trenches until
November, when he was wounded at Cambrai
during a German counter-attack. He was re-
ported officially as wounded on November
22nd, 1917, and a few months later as wound-
ed and missing from that date. After that
no trace of him could be found, though all
enquiries were made. He was then only
twenty years of age. Before joining the
army, he was employed on the Glen Farm,
under tho late Lord Glenconner.
Out of the roar and tumult.
Or the black night loud with pain,
Sorno face comes back from tlio fiery track
And looks in our eyes again.
And the love that is passing woman's.
And the bonds that are forged by death.
Now grip the soul with a strange control
And speak what no man saith.
His was the proudest part —
He died with the glory of faith in his eyes,
And the glory of love in his heart.
And though there's never a grave to tell
Nor a cross to mark his fall,
Thank God ! we know that he ' batted well '
In the last great Game of all."
BOMBARDIER R. DOUGLAS
(Walkeeburn)
Royal Gaeeison Aetilleey.
1918. Febbuaey 18 (Monday).
Bombardier R. Douglas, Y3 Trench Mortar
Battery, E.G.A., B.E. Force, France, was
accidentally killed by a faulty shell on the 18th
of February, 1918, and is buried in Bozelles
Military Cemetery, 5i miles south of Arras.
Bombardier E. Douglas, who was 12 years
with the colours before the war, rejoined on
the 16th of August, 1914, into the E.G.A., and
went to France with a trench mortar bat-
tery on November, 1915, and was there till
the day of liis death. He was always such a
willing and cheerful worker that his loss was
deeply regretted by officers and the men of
his battery, as he had such long experience
on the field.
Hear our prayers, ! gentle Jesus,
Send Thine angels down to ease us
From the pains of Hell that seize us.
From our burning, yearning thirst.
We are broken, we are battered.
Bodies twisted, crushed and shattered
By the shells and bullets scattered
On this strip of land accurst.
God in Heaven, canst Thou hear ns?
Mary Mother ! Dost Thou fear us ?
Stretcher-bearers are you near us?
Give us water or we die!
But a dreadful shadow's creeping
With his cruel scythe a-rcaping
Weary Souls which fall to sleeping
In a soothing, gentle sigh.
So fine a spirit, daring, yet serene-
He may not, surely, lapse from what has
been :
Greater, not less, liis wondering mind must
be:
Ampler tho splendid vision he must see.
'Tis unboliovablo ho fades away —
An uxhulution at liio dawn of day.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
123
SEC-LIEUT. JOHN WALLACE MUIR
(Teaqtjaie)
KoTAii Tlting Corps.
1918. March 12 (Tuesday).
Reported missing on 12th March, 1918, now
reported killed on that date, John Wallace
Muir, 2nd lieutenant, E.F.C., age 19, young-
er son of Mr and Mrs John Muir, Fairnilee
Farm House, Galashiels, and grandson of
the late Rev. Jardin© Wallace, of Traquair.
John Wallace Muir, born 17th February,
1899, at Dryhope, T.arrow, Selkirkshire. He
was the younger son of John Muir, Fairni-
lee Farm House, Galashiels. He went to
Edinburgb Academy in 1914, was captaiin of
the shooting VIII. 1916, 1st XV. 1916. He join-
ed the Eoyal Flying Corps in April, 1917,
at the age of 18. Was made Cadet-Sergeant
in April, 1917; gazetted Second Lieutenant
in July, 1917; received his "Wings'' in Oct-
ober, 1917; went to France in November,
1J17. He wag posted to 46 Squadron E.F.C.,
and saw much active service. In February,
1918, "^A'' Flight, in which he was, made
the higihest score in aerial gunnery of any
squadron in France, and won General
Trenchard's prize. At the beginning of
March, 1918, the enemy offensive was expect-
ed. On the morning of 12th March, "A"
Flight went out at dawn ^\ath 4 20 lb.
bombs on each machine. They blew up a
German bridge, and then attacked German
cavalry and infantry. All the machines were
flying low, .and each pilot divedl in turn on
the enemy dropping bombs and firing his
machine guns, killing numbers of men a:id
horses. It was at this time that lieut. J.
W. Muir's machine became damaged, and a
little (time later came down in flames and
exploded east of Queant between Cambrai
and Bapaume.
This morning's work of "A" FligM was
considered as among the most gallant at tihat
time. The Chaplain wrote that one of the
mechanics of his Squadron had said :• — "Lieut.
Muir wa.s one of the best we ever had in
the Flight.'^
He was 19 years of age when he was
killed.
AN AIRMAN'S PASSING.
You that swept onward through the skies,
uncaring
When death screamed past you with an
inch to spare.
That found a man's clean joy in deeds of
daring
And all the high adventure of the air.
That gave your native land a love undying,
Knowing her honour it was yours to keep.
Can this be you, indeed, that here is lying
Wrapped in your last long sleep?
Through all those' years of strife your high
endeavour
Knew nought of pride of place or lust of
fame;
The light of ihonour was your beacon ever,
And duty done was all you caredl to claim.
Never was gentler knight for burial shrouded
Than you, to whom to-day all things are
clear,
A Bayard of our time, your sliield unclouded.
Without reproach or fear.
Mournful the Dead March wails, but yet
your story
Ends but with us on earth, and faith
affords
The certain promise of a greater glory
Of service in that host which is the Lord's.
splendid prodigal, tha.t joyed in spending
Your golden youth to do your Master's
will.
Your soul, new freed, shall know a joy
unending
In love and service still !
PRIVATE GORDON TAIT
(Walkeebuen)
8th Eotal Scots.
1918. March 21 (Thttrsdat).
Private Gordon Tait enlisted in August,
1914, and was therefore one of the original
members of what the German Emperor
styled "French's contemptible army," thence-
forth a designation of honour, for which lie
earned the Mons Star. He went through the
whole of the war until 1918, when he fell.
He was half brother to Dickson Maule. His
brother, William Tait, also fell.
It was on this day, March 21, that the
Second Battle of the Somme began. It was
124
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
initiated by a great German offensive on a
fifty mile front, between Sensee and Oise
rivers. The British positions were penetrat-
ed at various points, especially near St
Quentin.
Now my nights are filled with flowered
dreams.
Of singing warriors, beautiful and young;
Strong men and boys within whose eyes there
gleams
The triumph song of world's unknown,
unsung ;
Grim death has vanished, leaving in its steaa
The shining glory of the Living Dead.
My thoughts are with the dead, with them
I live in long-past years.
Their virtues love, their faults condemn.
Partake their hopes and fears.
And from their lessons seek and find
Instruction with an humble mind.
SEC-LIEUT. JOHN GRIERSON
(InNEEIjEITHEn)
King's Liveepool Eeoiment.
1918. Maech 21 (Thtjesdat).
Sec. Lieut. John Grierson was killed in-
stantaneously while leading his platoon on
the 21st March, 1918, at Henin, being with
the 13th King's Liverpool Regiment. He was
mobilised with the Innerleithen company of
the 8th U.S., and went to France with them
in November, 1914, being C.Q.M.S. of B Coy.,
8th E.S. He was wounded on the 4th July,
1916, and came to England to Catterick
Camp. He spent four months in Bath with
the O.T.C., and was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant
in the 3rd King's Liverpool Regiment in
October, 1917, and was stationed at Cork till
1st March. He left for France on the 6th
March, and wont up the line to join his
Battalion on the 13th. In one letter he tells
us his company " is in a support trench,
which was very clean and dry." In a letter
written on the 20tli March, 1918, he says: —
" To-day and yesterday it is raining a lot,
and the trenches are very muddy and sticky.
I am wet tluo'Ugh wading up and
down from 4 a.m. till 8 o'clock where my pla-
toon was working, covered from head to feet
in mud. I quite enjoyed myself, and it was
j<<i()(l luri. (Jl coiir.si^, the men .swore a bit,
hut tliey ore real good fellows in my com-
pany. The battalion hag been in the trenches
for a long time, and may go into rest billets
within the next fortnight. I am going out to
work in the evening again, making advanced
trenches."
At the outbreak of war he was employed in
Waverley Mill, Innerleithen. His brother was
Sec. Lieut. Charles P. Grierson (wounded).
I dreamed that overhead
I saw in twilight grey
The Army of the Dead
Marching on its way.
So still and passionless.
With faces so serene.
That scarcely could one guess
Such men in war had been.
No mark of hurt they bore.
Nor smoke, nor bloody stain:
Nor sufiiered any more
Famine, fatigue, or pain:
Nor any lust of hate
Now lingered in their eyes —
Who have fulfilled their fate.
Have lost all enmities.
I see them walking in an air of glory,
Wihose light doth trample on my days;
My days, which are at besit but dull and
hoary.
Mere glimmering and decays.
Dear, beauteous Death, the jewel of the just.
Shining nowhere, but in the dark;
What mysteries do lie beyond tihy dust,
Could man outlook that mark.
Vatjghan.
PRIVATE THOMAS RITCHIE
(Teaqdaib)
8th Eoyal Scots.
1918. March 22 (Friday).
Private Ritchie was a native of Traquair,
having been born at The Glen. He enlisted
on the day he became nineteen on the 18th
December, 1914, and was therefore one of the
i'riginal gallant lads wilio earned theMons Star.
He was trained at Peebles, joining the 8th
Royal Scots. In July, 1915, he went to
France and became attached to the Fifty-
First Division. In July, 1917, he was wound-
ed and invalulod liouiC', but returned to
France in February, 191S, and fell on March
22 during (ho groat Gorman oflonsiv© some-
BnMEATiDIEB T' . Doi'OLAS,
Walkereuen
I'EIVATR floHlXlN 'I'AI'I',
WaJjKEKBL-KN
Sec-Ltetji;, John Wallace Mijib,
p TuAguAiB
SEC.-raET^T. John fiRIERSON,
Innerleithen
TrIVATE '1'hi:MAS lillVHIE,
Tr.\quatr.
r^iJNNER John Alexander MArT^ENNAN.
Innerleithen.
I'liivATK Ikteh MacDonald,
TllAQUAni.
Private Ai.rx. Kelly,
iNNRtlLElTIlEN.
Q..M.S. John Doheri'v:,
Innerleithen.
1'hiva'J'R Tom: J. ALukdik,
Innerleithen and Peebles.
Private James Renwick.
TwEEDSMUIR.
Private .1 Wat.shx,
Innerleithen.
'^v »
Cfl,. Wir.r.lAAf SoiMERVILLE,
Tnnekleitken.
Pte. J. CoLi.rjin,
Innerleithen.
Sm-I'II! I;. W, I.'pII mi liSON,
Inj^mu.ei rill N.
I'll: .1 uiKs ('\i,iiif,n,,
MlalilKI' ANI> I .1 NE,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
125
where in the neighbourhood of Cambrai. He
■was of a very kindly and obliging disposition
and was a general favourite with officers
and men.
" For two days his company bad splendid-
ly held at bay greatly superior numbers
of Germans, and during the critical time,
your son behaved with great courage and
coolness, deliberately shooting at the ad-
vancing enemy, and ihelping Ms comrades
whenever possible. Finally, it became nec-
essary to withdraw to a new position.
This manoeuvre had to be performed tinder
heavy shell-fire, and it was a-t tbis moment
that your son was hit by a shell. Deatih
was instantaneous and he did not suffer
at all. I need hardly say how deeply I
sympatliise witb you in this great sorrow
that lias so suddenly befallen you. I per-
sonally had a great regard for Private
Ritchie, and have many times had occa-
sion to complement him on the excellence
of his work, while I always appreciated
his steadiness and reliability, and tihe ex-
cellent influence he had on his comrades.
Would that there were more like him."
Their beads are lifted. As they pass
They look at Christ's red wounds and smile
In. gallant comradeship ; they know
Golgotha's terrible defile.
They too have drained a bitter gall.
Heart's Calvary they know full well,
And every man, or old or young.
Has stared into the deeps of Hell.
Yet brave and gay that spectral host
Goes by. Like Christ, on bloody sod
They gladly paid a price, like Him
They left the reckoning to God.
PRIVATE PETER MACDONALD
(TEAQTIAra)
13th Botal Scots.
1918. March 22 (Friday).
Private Peter McDonald joined up in
Octobler, 1914, iat Innerleithen, wben aifc
Glen Gardens, at the age of 16 in the 13tb
Royal Scots. He went to France witb them,
I think, on July 15 witb the 9tb Division.
The report we got was that tIhe great Ger-
man offensive began on 21st March, and the
13th Royal Scots were forced to retire, but
the detiermined nesistence |of the troops
saved Arras. On 28tb March it was reported
that barely any of A and D Coys, got back.
They were just in front of Arras. He was
in A Coy. He was through all the offensives
that his battalion took part in, being one/ of
the bomb throwers. He had never been
wounded, and was through it all until the
last great German effort to break through.
He was reported missing on 22nd March.
On the 22nd of March the Germans were
generally held on the northern part of the
battle front, but the British defences were
broken through west of St Quentin, and the
troops both here and in the adjoining sec-
tors retreated hastily. The Germans claimed
16.000 prisoners and 200 gTins.
Passing out of the shadow
Into a purer light.
Stepping behind the curtain.
Getting a clearer sight.
Laying aside a burden —
This weary, mortal ooit;
Done with tbe world's vexations.
Done with its tears and toil.
So young he was, so strong and well,
Until the bitter summons fell;
Too young to die.
Yet there on foreign soil he'll lie.
So pitiful, with unseeing eye,
-4.nd limbs all tumbled anyhow;
Quite finished, now.
On every ieart, lest we forget.
Secure at home, engrave this debt
GUNNER JOHN ALEXANDER
MACLENNAN.
(Innerleithen)
RoTAL Garrison Artillery.
1918. March 22 (Friday).
Killed in action on the 22nd March, John
Alexander Maclennan, signaller, R.G.A.,
younger son of the late William Maclennan
and Mrs Maclennan, Princes Street, Inner-
leitben, aged 28.
John Alexander Maclennan was born at
Innerleithen on the 19th day of May, 1889.
He went to Innerleithen Public Scbool, then
served his apprenticeship as a joiner with
Scott Bros., Innerleithen. H© left the dis-
trict to better himself, and after working
126
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
for a time with several firms finally went
to America. He left a good post in Hart-
ford, Conn., and came across to join the
British Army. H© enlisted into the E.G.A.,
and after training as a signaller and tele-
phonist at Spike Island, Queenstown, was
sent to France. He was killed on March
22nd, 1918, on the second day of the great
offensive near Hauteville, north-west of
Arras, and is believed to be buried at a
place named the Slag Heap, between Buyul-
conrt and Hermies, although no official in-
timation of the location of his grave was
ever received by his people. He was tlie
younger son of the late William Maclennan
of Innerleithen, and grandson of the late
Peter Walker, police constable, West Linton.
He had a brother in the Eoyal Scots.
What do we give to our beloved?
A little faith, all undisproved,
A little dust, to overweep,
And bitter memories, to make
The whole Earth blasted for our sake —
" He giveth Hig beloved sleep."
So this body made of dust.
To earth we once again entrust,
And painless it shalj slumber here,
Until the Last Great Day appear.
God breathed into thig house of clay
The spirit that hath passed away,
Christ gave the true courageous mind,
A heart more brave one cannot find
PRIVATE ALEX. KELLY
(Innbeleithbn)
9th Eotal Scots.
1918. Maech 22 (Feiday).
I'te. Kelly was Tvounded on March 21st,
1918, at Mezieres. He was severely wounded
by a bullet through the body, and he was
left on the ground in a shell hole, and prob-
ably picked up later by the Gerinans. He
was Scottish. Private Kelly joined up at
the beginning of the war with the Terri-
torials, and went to France in July, 1916, be-
ing reported "missing" on March 22nd, 1918,
iigod 21. lie belonged lo tbe 9tli Jfoyal Scots.
Ho was employed in Caerloo Mills.
Into the Silent Land.
To you be boundless regions
Of all perfection. Tender morning visions
Of beauteous Souls. The Future's pledge and
band.
You who in Lite's battle firm did stand
Shall bear Hope's tender blossoms
Into the Silent Land.
They are all gone into the world of light.
And I alone stay lingering here.
Their very memory is fair and bright
And my sad thoughts do clear.
I see them walking in an air of glory.
Whose light doth trample on my days:
My days, which are at best but dull and
hoary.
Mere glimmerings and decays.
— Vaughan.
Q.M.S. JOHN DOHERTY
(Inneeleithen)
5th Seafokth Highlandees.
1918. Maech 22 (Feidat).
Quartermaster Sergeant John Doherty,
banker, was paymaster in Elgin at the begin-
ning of the war. Later, in 1916, he went
to Norwich, and from there he was drafted
to France in 1917 in October, and fell on
March 22nd, 1918. He was the eldest son ot
Mr J. A. Doherty, 15 Victoria Eoad, Elgin.
He had a brother in the R.A.M.C. a prisoner
of war for nine months.
Andrew Doherty, Innerleithen, a relative,
fell on March 18, 1916.
Now earth hath hid him from our eyes.
Till God shall bid him wake and rise.
Who ne'er the creature will forget.
On whom His image He hath set.
Ah, would that promised day were here.
When Christ shall once again appear:
When He shall call, nor one be lost.
To endless life. Earth's buried Lost.
Tlie Doorkeepers of Zion,
They do not always stand
In helniot and whole armour,
With halberds in their hand:
But, being su7-o of Zion,
And all her mysteries,
Thoy rest awhile in Zion,
Sit down and smile in Zion:
Ay, even jest in Ziou:
In Zion, at thoir ease.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
127
PRIVATE JAMES RENWICK
(Tweedsmuir)
11th Eoyal Scots.
1918. March 28.
Eenwick, James, Private, No. 43849, Qth
Platoon, C Company, lltli Royal Scots— Re-
ported missing- when on outpost duty near
Albert on 28tTi Marcli, 1918, and not since
heard of. Any information regarding: him
from former comrades or repatriated prison-
ers of war would be gratefully received by
his parents, Mr and Mrs Eenwick, Fingland,
Tweedsmuir, Broughton, Peeblesshire.
Presumed Killed.— The parents of Private
James Renwick, Fingland, received official
notice presuming the death of their son in
March, 1918, or thereabout. Private Renwick
joined the Royal Scots and was stationed
at Peebles for a time. He went to France
in 1916, and saw considerable service there.
He was on outpost duty during the night of
23rd March, and has not been heard of
since. It was hoped he had been taken
prisoner, but such does not seem to have
been the case, and now after the lapse of
fifteen months all hope was abandoned. Pri-
vate Eenwick, like his forefathers, followed
the occupation of shepherd, and was thus
engaged at Tweedhopefoot when he joined
the army. H© was a quiet, kindly, some-
what shy lad, devoted to his work, in which
he gave every promise of excelling, like the
race from which he sprang, who, it may be
said, belong to the sam© stock as James
Renwick, the Covenanter, and the last of
Scotland's martyred men. Private Eenwick
was the ninth soldier from Tweedsmuir who
has given his life for his country.
On the 23rd of March the Germans took
Monchy-le-Preux, crossed the Tortille river
between Bapaum© and Peronne, they cap-
tured Peronne and Ham. This enabled them
to reach the line of the Somme. French
troops entered the battle on the British
southern wing. Paris was bombarded by a
long range gun, 74 miles.
Enough it is that this is one
Of that great Army of oiir glorious dead
Who surely, though by mortal eyes unseen.
Follow with ghostly tread.
Rank upon rank our unknown warrior's bier.
And every prayer for him, and every tear
That falls, are theirs, and theirs the undying
fanie
To which his soul is heir, whose very name
Is lost in that great glory which they share.
This was a simple shepherd of the hills,
This was a hewer in the deepest mine,
A toiler in the clamour of the mills,
A scion of an old and honoured line,
A lad whose eager feet were scarcely get
On manhood's threshold, and a warrior grim
Scarred in an hundred fights, who left his
home
In that dark hour, nor knew one vain regret
For all that he had yielded. Yea, in him
Each mother knows her son, each widow
knows
Her long-mourned husband, and the maid
unwed
Her lover. So when reverent hands shall
close
That narrow yet that all-embracing grave
In the dim, pillared twilight of the nave.
How shall we call him yet our unknown
deadP
We cannot know how much a dead man
hears.
What awful music of the distant spheres.
But you may linger still, you may not be
Too far from us to share the ecstasy
Of all the birds that nest upon our hills.
Or misg the flowering of the daffodils.
A shadow flits before me.
Not thou, but like to thee;
Ah, Christ, that it were possible ^
For one short hour to see
The souls we loved, that they might tell us
What, and where they be.
PRIVATE TOM J. MURDIE
(Innerleithen and Peebles)
Royal Scots.
1918. March 24 (Sunday).
Reported missing on 24th March, 1918, now
ofiicially presumed to have died on that date
or since. Private Tom Murdie, Royal Scots,
aged 20, younger son of George and Janet
Murdie, Caerlee Cottages, Innerleithen.
Tom Murdie was born at Peebles, and was
educated at the Burgh and County High
School. He became a clerk in the oifice of
Leithen Millg Spinning Co. In August, 1914.
he enlisted, and was one of the gallant band
who left Haddington for France on Novem-
ber, 2, 1914 He returned home but once dur-
128
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
ing the war. He was posted as missing on
March 24, 1918, aged 20.
On March 21 the day Tom Murdie fell, the
Germans were held iu desperate lighting
round Bapainne, crossed the Somme between
Peronne and Ham, and took Nesle and
Peronne. Further south tihey captured Guis-
card and Chauny. They now claimed 30,000
prisoners and 600 guns.
K that high world, which lies beyond
Our own, surviving love endears;
If there the cherished heart be fond.
The eye the same, except the tears —
How welcome those untrodden spheres.
How sweet this very hour to die.
To soar from Earth and find all fears
Lost in thy light — Eternity.
When love has from our longing arms been
torn.
What boots it if the empty world we grasp ?
To those who this siipreme bereavement
mourn
It little matters what woe follows fast.
The worst that fate can do already borne.
The very meaning of such dread is past.
PRIVATE J. WATSON
(Innerleithen)
8th Eoyal Scots.
1918. March 24 (Sund.iy).
John Watson was the oldest son of Mr
Thos. Watson, now of 1 Castle Street, Sel-
kirk, and was born at Innerleithen in
January, 1890. He was employed at Waver-
ley Mills, Innerleithen, also with Lowe, Don-
ald & Co., Peebles, and at the time of enlist-
ing was head warehouseman at Waverley
Mills, Innerleithen. He enlisted in the 3/8th
Royal Scots on 28th February, 1916; was
transferred to the ]/9th Royal Scots in Decem-
ber, 1916, and drafted to France. He was in-
valided home with septic poisoning in April,
1917. He was drafted again to France in
July, 1917, and was wounded with shrapnel in
September, 1917; was acting as stretcher-
bearer in March, 1918, and was reported
wounded and missing in the engagomont of
2'Uli MarcJi, 1918, and not since reported.
On the 25th the Gennan.s carried Bapaume
in a night attack ; later, their advance,
though less rapid than on the previous t^o
days, continued on the whole front from
Ervillers (north of Bapaume) to the Oise.
From the beginning of the attack the Ger-
mans claimed 45,000 prisoners.
The goodly harvest of thy laughing mouth
Is garnered in ; and lo ! the golden grain
Of all thy generous thoughts, which knew no
drouth
Of meanness, and thy tender words remain
Stored in my heart; and though I may not
see
Thy peerless form nor hear thy voice again.
The memory lives of what thou wast to me.
We knew great love . . . We have not
lived in vain.
We laid him to rest with tenderness:
Homeward we turned in the twilight's
gold:
We thought in ourselves with dumb distress — •
All the story of Earth is told.
A beautiful word at the last was said:
A great deep heart like the hearts of old
Went forth: and the speaker had lost the
thread.
Or all the story of Earth was told.
The dust hung over the pale dry ways
Dizzily fired with thei twilight's gold.
And a bitter remembrance blew in each face
How all the story of Earth was told.
CPL. WILLIAM SOMERVILLE
(Innerleithen)
Black Watch.
1918. March 28 (Thursday).
Mrs Somerville, Leithen Road, Inner-
leithen, received word that her son. Corporal
Wm. Somerville, Black Watch, had been kill-
ed in action. Corporal Somerville, who was
36 years of age, joined up in June, 1916, and
went out to France in April, 1917. He was
for a long time employed at the St Ronan's
Wells, but at the time of his enlistment was
in the eTuployment of the Edinburgh United
Breweries Co. He wag well known in Border
Association football circles as goalkeeper for
the Vale of Leithen, while he was also a pro-
minent member of St Ronan's Brass Band.
His wife resided at St Leonard's Street,
Edinburgh. His brother George, who was in
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance,
129
the Edinburgh Police Force, fell on Nov. 28,
1915, and his brother James was also serving.
" It is with sincere regret and tender
sympathy that I write to inform you of the
death of your husband. Corjioral W. Somer-
ville, of the 9th Black Watch. I am sorry
that I cannot furnish you at present with
any very definite particulars as to how he
fell, save to say that he was killed in ac-
tion while bravely doing his duty during
the hea%'y attacks made against our lines
on the 28th March. It is believed that
death was instantaneous.
" His loss is ver\' keenly felt by us all,
especially by the officers and men of his
own company. I did not know him person-
ally, as I have only recently joined this
battalion, but from what I have heard of
him I can assure you of the great regard
and respect in which he was held. He was
one of the brightest and best of the non-
commissioned officers. All our hearts go
out to you in real sympathy, and we trust
that the needed and promised strengtli will
be given you to bear .vour sore trial. May
the Saviour Hini.self Who died for us and
rose again be very near to you in these days
to comfort and uphold yoii. God always
bless and help you and yours."
On March 26 the British made a stand
north of the Somme, but lost Albert and
Bray. There was very heavy fighting south
of the Somme. The Germans captured
Lihons, Chaulnes, Eoye, and Noyon. On
March 27 the Germans advanced on both sides
of the Somme in a night attack reaching
Sailly-le-Sec, twelve miles from Amiens. But
they lost ground in British counter-attacks.
The Germans afterwards failed in attack
from Bucquoy to Rosieres, ami were checked
near Lassigny and Noyon, but they took
Montdidier after a rapid advance,
why, to-day, o'er gcatter'd sleeping-places.
Those ghostly bugles sound the morning
call?
Why, at salute, pride on their war-worn
faces.
The dead upstand — a world-encircling wall?
Lo ! one of them — his name from memory
perish'd.
Save in some heart that listens for him
still.
In tall grey town his fancy fondly cherish'd,
Or straw-roof'd home upon some seaward
hill
Goes past, through fields of Flanders, shadow-
crowded.
Out of the Land of Sorrow, seeking rest.
In slumber folded, deep in peace enshrouded.
Close in Love's keeping, on his Empire's
breast.
The grey dawn shimmers, o'er the low hills
creeping ;
The far-off ghostly bugles throb and die :
The misty columns fade, till stirs their sleep-
ing
The last Revally -God's own rallying cry.
SAFPES R. W. RICHARDSON
(iNNEELElTIiEN)
RoTAii Engineebs.
1918. March 30.
Mr R. W. Richardson, The Strand, re-
ceived a letter from a major of the Royal
Engineers intimating the death of his son.
Sapper E. W. Richardson. Sapper Richard-
son was 26 years of age. He enlisted in
June, 1915, and went to France in August,
1916. Prior to enlistment, he worked as a
tuner in Caerlee Mills (Messrs D. Ballan-
tyne & Co.). He played centre forward for
the Vale of Leithen Football Club, and was
prominent in golfing circles.
He enlisted into the City of Edinburgh
Royal Engineers in June, 1915. He went to
France in August, 1916, and was badly
bruised, being buried by a shell in Janu-
ary, 1917. He was in hospital a good length
of time; being so badly shell-shocked he waB
sent far back from the firing line until Jan-
uary, 1918, and on March SOtih, 1918, he was
killed.
His brother, Cpl. J. W. Richardson, fell
on July 26, 1916.
On March 28 there had been a great Ger-
man attack on a wide front north and south
of the Scarpe River, whioh was defeated
with very heavy loss to the Germans. Be-
tween the Somme and the Avre rivers the
Germans advanced, reaching Hamel. On the
29tih there was no heavy fighting north of
the Somme. Between the Somme and the
Avre the Germans continued to advance, tak-
ing Hamel, Mezieres, and Demuin. On the
30th, Demuin was retaken by the British.
Heavy German attacks 'iroke down. Inde-
cisive fighting followed in the Luce and
the Avre valleys.
130
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
From the hills and valleys, earth
Shouts back the sound of mirth,
Tramp of feet and lilt of song
Ringing all the road along.
All the music of their going.
Ringing, swinging, glad song-throwing,
Earth vdll echo still, when foot
Lies numb and voice mute.
On, marohing men, on,
To the gates of death with song.
Sow your gladness for earth's reaping.
So you may be glad, though sleeping.
Strew your gladness on earth's bed.
So be grateful, so be dead.
Father and Lord of friend and foe.
All-seeing and all-wise.
Thy balm to dying hearts bestow,
Thy sight to sightless eyes.
To the dear dead give life, where pain
And death no more dismay,
Where, amid Love's long terrorless reign,
All tears are wiped away.
PRIVATE J. COLLIER
(Inneeleithen)
17th Royal Scots.
1918. April 7 (Sunday).
Mr Collier, 73 High Street, Innerleithen,
received official information that his soil-
Private J. Collier, Royal Scots, had died of
wounds at Rouen, after having his leg am-
putated, after wounds received in action on
Marcih 28. Private CoUieT, who was only
20 years of age, joined the Roya] Scots along
with his brother David, who hag since been
discharged, in October, 1915, and went out
to France early in 1916. He had been pre^
viously wounded, and was home on leave
from France just three weeks previous to
meeting his death. Previou.s to joining up
he was employed in the millhouse of the
Waverley Mill.
On this day there had been heavy artil-
lery attacks on the Oise, and between the
Somnip and Arraentiferes; twio ,aittacks on
Bucquoy were repulsed.
THE BATTLE OP THE LYB.
On the 1st April, 1918, the British won
back .some high ground. On the lOtli April
the Germans took Morisel, and were within
two miles of the Paris railway. On Friday
the 5th, the attack was renewed on the
Bouthern front. By tlie 7th of April the
French had fallen back south of Cthauny.
The second battU of the Somme was at an
end, and the battle of the Lys had begun.
The Alliied front had been re-establiahed,
and the road to Amiens closed.
On Sunday, 7th April, 1918, an intense
bombardment began, with gas shells, and
continued during the 8th. On Tuesday, the
9th, a furious preparation began, in which
gas was mingled with high explosives. At
7 a.m., the full weight of the German in-
fantry assault fell on the 11th and 15th
Corps. This was the battle of Armentieres,
and the whole British centre was penetrated.
Bethune and Givenchy were centres of dread-
ful fighting. On the 10th the Germans
captured Ploegsteert.
On Wednesday, 10th April, the House of
Commons passed; a Bill raising the limit of
military age to fifty years, and giving the
Government power to abolish ordinary ex-
emptions. Conscription was also extended
to Ireland. Within a month, other 355,000
men were sent across the Channel. On the
11th April, the British evacuated Armentieres.
On this same day, the llth of April, 1918,
Sir Douglas Haig issued the following omin-
ous order of the day : —
" There is no other course open to lis
but to fight it out. Every position must
be held to the last man ; there must be no
retirement. With our backs to the wall,
and believing in the justice of our cause,
each one of us must fight to the end.
The safety of our homes, and the free-
dom of mankind, depend alike npon the
conduct of each one of us at this critical
moment."
THE SECOND BATTLE OP THE SOMME.
At the end of February, 1918, the Eastern
front had gone out of existence owing to
the collapse' of Russia. The Allies therefore
had now; to face the onslaught of a mighty
engine of war whose strength could be
directed to a single front. The German gen-
erals promised the Reiohstag complete and
absolute victory in the field before autumn.
One of their generals, in a lecture, said of
General Hindenhurig— "Hie' stands in the
West with our wliole German manhood for
the first time united in a .single theatre of
war, ready to strike with the strongest army
the world has ever known." On the morn-
ing of tlie 21st March, the many thousand
guns of the Germans were released against
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
131
the British positions, accompanied by clouds
of poison gas, and every other offensive of
powerful destruction. The advance was upon
a fifty mile front; the British line was
broken. On the 24th March the Gtermans
captured Bapaume and Peronne, and took
30,000 prisoners. On the 25tih March, the
Germans reached the German line of 1916.
On the 26th, Greneral Foch was appointed
to the supreme command of all the Allied
armies. The situation south of the Somme
was desperate; and the Commander-in-Chief
might soon have no armies to command. On
the 28th, the Germans began to set them-
selves steadily to tihe capture of Amiens.
This was a critical day everywhere from
Arras to the Oise. Great German weight
was brought against Arras. The effort was
a complete and disastrous failure. On the
29th March, the Germans were within twelve
miles of Amiens. On Easter Sunday, the
last day of March, the situation was very
grave.
No easy hopes or lies
Shall bring us to our goal.
But iron sacrifice
Of body, will, and soul.
There's but one task for all —
For each one life to give.
Who stands if freedom fall.^
Who dies if Britain live?
Death seems but a covered way
Which opens to the light^
Wherein no blinded child can stray
Beyond the Father's sight.
And so the shadowg fall apart.
And so the west windg play,
And all the windows of my heart
I open to the day.
FTE. JAMES CALDER
(Megget and Ltne)
Aegtll and Sutheeland Highlakdbes.
1918. April 9 (Tuesday).
Mrs Calder, Cappercleuch, Megget, receiv-
ed official information that her husband,
Private James Calder, Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders, had been killed in France on
the 9th April. Private Calder joined the
army about eighteen months previously, and
had been in France about three months. His
officer wrote a letter of sympathy to Mrs
Calder, at the same time expressing the re-
grettable loss his company had met through
the death of her brave husband. His death
was instantaneous. In civil life. Private
Calder was the policeman of Megget, where
he had been stationed for many years, and
was highly esteemed both in public and pri-
vate life. In his leisure hours, he interested
himself in gardening, and his garden was
looked upon in the district as a model of
neatness and usefulness. Before the close of
divine service at Lyne on Sunday, Mr Tag-
gart, in paying a high tribute to Private
Calder's memory, said he was the most regu-
lar attender at Megget Church, and bore a
very exemplary character. He is the first
member of the congregation to fall in the
war. The minister also expressed sincere
sympathy with Mrs Calder and her family in
their sad bereavement.
His life at the front was not of long dura-
tion. He went to France in September, 1917,
and was sent home in November, 1917, suffer-
ing from septic poisoning. He sailed again
for France on March 30th, 1918, and was
killed on the night of April 9th, 1918. He
was left to be buried by the Germans. At
home his great hobby was his garden, and
all through his training he never lost his in-
terest in his home and garden. He was look-
ing forward to coming home, but when the
German rush started he said he would have
liked home to have seen the boys, but the
German tide had to be stemmed. Luck was
against him, and he was a small item at the
stemming of the German tide.
Lord, keep me faithful to the trust
Which my dear spouse reposed in me :
To him now dead preserve me just
In all that should performed be.
For our being man and wife
Extendeth only to this life.
Yet neither life nor death should end
The being ot a faithful friend.
why should the hills last, that never were
young,
Unperishing stars in the heavens be hung:
Be constant the seasons, undrying the stream.
And he that was gallant be gone like a
dream ?
Brave songs will be singing in Isles of the
West,
But he will be silent who sang them the best:
The dance will be waiting, the pipes will
implore.
But he will return to Megget no more.
132
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
GUNNER ALEXANDER BURTON
(Peebles, Manoe, Ikneeleithen)
Royal Garrison Artillery.
1918. April 10 (Wednesday).
John and Annie Burton had lost their
youngest son on October 19, 1917, they were
now to lose their third son, also a Gunner,
Alexander, in the Royal Garrison Artillery,
six months later.
He passed away at A'o. 9 General Hospital,
Rouen, on the lOhh April, 1918, from wounds
received in action on the 21st March. He
was the beloved husband of Margaret Wil-
son. A son-in-law, George Dick, of Mr and
Mrs Burton fell early in the war, leaving a
young family and widow.
On March 21 a German offensive began
against the British Third and Fifth Armies
on a fifty mile front. Forty German divi-
sions were pitted again.et fourteen divisions
in the British Fifth Array. The Germane
brokte through, compelling tihe Brit|ish to
withdraw with very heavy losses. On that
day fell Gunner Alexander Burton.
Christ With Our Men.
Now, we remember, over here in Flanders —
(It isn't strange to think of You in
Flanders)^
This hideous warfare seems to make things
clear.
We never thought labout Ylou much in
England,
But now that tve are far away from England,
We have no doubts, we know that you are
here.
Yes, he is here with ws to-day ;
A thousand things his touch reveal.
Sweet evidence, no cumbering clay,
No unknown sepulture conceal.
In many a heart his grave is green
And sweet with flowers we planted there;
Dear memories of what has been,
A wealth of fragrant blossom bear.
PTE. WILLIE WYPER
(Manor/
2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers.
1918. April 10 (Wednesday).
He enlisted in the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers
in August, 1917. He went to France, and
•woB Tnlssing on April 10. 1918 (Wednesday).
No trace of him vvai* ever obtained. His
brother Tom fell on July 19, 1916. Another
brother was in the war from start to finish
in France and in Salonika, and won through
in the end.
Who is the Happy Warrior.^ Who is he
That every man in arms would wish to be?
It is the generous spirit, who, when brought
Among the tasks of real life, hath wrought
Upon the plan that pleased his childish
thought :
Whose high endeavours are an inward light
That makes the way before always bright.
There is a world above.
Where parting is unknown:
A whole eternity of love.
Formed for the Good alone.
And faith beholds the Dying here
Translated to that happier sphere.
PTE. J. BURNETT
(Innerleithen)
8th Royal Scots.
1918. April 10 (Wednesday).
Pte. James Burnett was killed on the 10th
April, 1918, and all the information received
was that he was killed in action and buried
in Mont-Bernonchon Churchyard. He was a
Lewis gunner. From information received,
I was informed they were on the Bapaume-
Cambrai road He was born at Innerleithen
on the 12th April, 1897 The family consists
of his father, mother, and two sisters. Pte.
Burnett joined up on the 4th September,
1914, in the 6th Royal Scots, and went to
Egypt on the 4th September, 1915. From
there he went to France, and was wounded on
12th January, 1917. He returned to France on
June 8th, 1917, and was attached to the 12th
Royal Scots, and was again wounded on 20th
September, 1917. He again returned to
France on the 21st February, 1918, and was
killed on the 10th April, 1918. Pte. Burnett
was attached to the 8th Royal Scots, 51st Div.,
when he was killed.
One with another, soul with soul,
They kindle firo from fire:
Friends watch us who have touched the goal:
They urge us, " Come up higher."
With them shall rest our waysore feet,
Witii tliem is built our home,
With Christ. They sweet, but He most sweet,
Sweeter than honeycomb.
CiUNNJ5l<, Ar-EXAN])HU HuilTON,
J'EUULES, MaNOK. iNNBltLEJl'lOiN.
I'l'K. J. Buii.NETT,
Inkurleitjien.
Pte. Willie Wyper,
Manor.
Pte. \Vm. Brown,
Stobo.
I'KiNA! n \i. ilircHia.r,
iIi;Nui';i;i,AND, JNJudciiiT, and Link
Saw'Hu Thomas Bienik
Innmkleithun
Wi;ii(1i;am J. W. M'(!i.asson
J.VNKKI.I.n II I .N
'IK Antiiiinv McCu'i'ciiKiiN 'rruNiii hi.
Walk I' liiiintN
L'te. WiLLiAjr Keen.
Inneuleiuien and New Zealand.
Pte. IUiber'i: Hamilton,
Broughxon and Peebles.
Px.i. Jajies Preston,
Pte. John Paterson,
Walkeuburn.
riMY.vrn ]voj)i:in' IJlaikij),
Walkhhjsukn.
I'lMV.vri: Thomas Ohmistiin.
JJjJDU'lSTUN.
I'lllV Al 1. |)ill(ll,AS 'I'lLI'lll.
liliil 1,11'ION,
(liiimn; lii.Aivi:,
I NNi',i!i,i''.rnii';N
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
133
FTE. WM. BROWN
(Stobo)
King's Own Scottish Boederers.
1918. April 11 (Thubsdat).
William Brown was born at Tlie Harrow,
Stobo, on 9th June, 1882. He was the son of
Andrew Brown, the highly esteemed beadle of
Stobo Ivirk, and his wife Catherine Thom-
son, both ot them Stobo people-.
Willie wa^- educated at Stobo School,
and learned the trade of carpenter
with Mr James Milne, Newhouses. After be-
ing for some time with a firm of hothouse
builders in Edinburgh, he returned to Stobo
as one of the estate carpenters, married
Euphemia Purves Linton and took up house
at the Cless. When iihe war broke out he
drilled with the Volunteers until he was
called to enlist in the King's Own Scottish
Borderers. He was otfered employment in
the army at aeroplane building. At this safe
work he would have been most useful; tor he
was a remarkably neat-handed workman. But
he had agreed to go along with his chum,
Kobert Cairns. He therefore declined the
aeroplane service, and went to the war. Pre-
sently his friend was transferred to the Royal
Scots Fusiliers, and they never saw one an-
other again. On the 11th April, 1918, in the
course of the strenuous fighting of those days,
Willie was reported missing. He has never
since been heard of. Probably he was car-
ried down by the river, the bridge over which
he was defending when last seen. His loss is
mourned by his wife and five children, his
widowed mother, his brothers, sisters, and all
the many friends who held him dear.
God, I am travelling out to death's sea,
I, who exulted in sunshine and laughter.
Thought not of dying— death is such waste
of me.
Grant me one comfort : Leave not the here-
after
Of mankind to war, as though I had died
not —
I, who in battle, my comrade's arm linking,
Shouted and sang— life in my pulses hot,
Throbbing, and dancing. Let not my sink-
ing
In dark be for naught, my death a vain
thing.
God, let me know it the end of man's fever.
Make my last breath be a bugle-call, carrying
Peace o'er the valleys and green hills for-
ever.
PRIVATE B. MITCHELL
(Hendebla-nd, Megget and Lyne)
8th Eotal Scots.
1918. April 11 (Thursday).
He was born on 20th April, 1884. Previous
to joining the army, he assisted on the farm
of Bleaton, Blairgowrie, for a number of
years, and I believe was held in very high
esteem by all wiho knew him in that dis-
trict. He was wounded in September, 1917,
and was posted missing on the above date,
viz., 11th April, 1918. He joined the 8th
Battalion Royal Scotg at Peebles, and ser-
ved with them continuously, and for a con-
siderable time acted in the pioneers, where
he was serving at his death.
" He joined up ait Peebles in December in
the 3/ 8th Royal Scots, got his training there,
wag transfen-ed to France in the beginning
of August, 1915, and served in a Pioneer
Battalion until he became a stretcher-bearer
in April, 1917, and served as such until he
was officially posted missing on 11th April,
1918. Shortly after that date we got word
from a -comrade that he was killed, having
been shot through the head. Some time
after the Bed Cross Department in London
sent a card that they had heard he was a
prisoner of war, but never found out his
whereabouts or in what -condition he was.
Later w© (had a letter from the War Office
stating that they could find no trace of him
and that circumstances did not look favour-
able to his being alive, but did not official,
ly state tihat he was dead. I had a slight
gleam of hope after hearing from the Red
Cross, but now a month has passed since
war was stopped and still no word of bim,
so I do not expect he will ever turn up "
God knows, my dear, I did not want
To rise and leave you so.
But the dead men's hands were beckoning,
And I knew that I must go.
The dead lueu's eyes were watching, lass,
Their lips were asking too ;
We faced it out and paid the price —
And we continued true.
But you'll forgive me yet, my dear,
Because 1 went you know ;
I can look my dead friends in the face,
As I couldn't two months ago.
Our little hour— how short it is
When love with dew-eyed loveliness
Raises her lips for ours to kiss,
And dies within our first caress.
Youth flickers out like wind-blown flame.
Sweets of to-day, to-morrow sour.
For time and death relentless claim
Our little hour.
134
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance
SERGEANT. J. W. M'GLASSON
( Innerleithen)
EoYAi Scots Fusiliers.
1918. April 12 (Friday).
Mrs J. W. M'Glasson, Damside, received
official intimation tihat her husband. Ser-
geant J. W. M'Glasson, who had been post-
ed as wounded and missing on the 12th
April, had been killed in action in France
on or about that date wliidh the Commander
of Corps verified by intimating his burial.
He was aged 26. Sergeant M'Glasson was
the eldest son of Bandmaster M'Glasson, and
left Innerlelithen with the Territorials at
the outbreak of war. He was a Territorial
in the 8th Eoyal Scots; was transferred to
the 2/ 9th owing to his being a bandsman,
his father, also being Band Sergeant in the
same battalion. Went to France in 1916 and
was transferred into the E.S.F. ; saw muoh
service there; came home a time-expired
man in February, 1918, and went back to
France on the 26th of March of the same
year; was promoted Sergeant, and fell in
action on April 12th, 1918. We can only add
that he was a most loving and dutiful son,
and very steady, never having tasted strong
drink in his life. He had been employed in
the machine-room of Ballantyne Bros.
With thee were the dreams of my earliest
love;
Every thought of my reason was thine;
In my last humble prayer to the Spirit
above
Thy name sliall be mingled with mine.
Oh ! Blest are the lovers and friends who
shall live
The days of thy glory to see;
But the next dearest blessing that Heaven
can give.
Is the pride of thus dying for thee.
They are more our own,
Since now bhey are God's only,
And each one that has gone
Has left our lieart less lonely.
He mourns not seaeong fled.
Who now in Him possesses
Treasures of many dead
In their dear Lord'a careasee.
SAPPER THOMAS BIRNIE.
(Innerleithen)
Eoyal Engineers.
1918. April 14 (Sunday)
Official intimation wa,s sent the parents of
Sapper Thomas Birnie that he had died from
wounds received in action on the 12th April,
1918, which proved fatal the following day.
Sapper Birnie was a twiner in Caerlee Mills
before he enlisted in 1915. He was sent to
France early in 1917. He was 28 years of age.
He had one brother serving — James, who was
wounded. He enlisted on the 12th June, 1915.
On the 12th of April, 1918, there had been
strong enemy pressure at Bailleul and Wulver-
ghem Neuve Eglise and Messines were pene-
trated by ithe Germans. On the 13tli the
British re-occupied Neuve Eglise and repelled
further attacks. There was continuous fighting
around Wulverghem, Bailleul and Meteren, and
also at Festubert. On the 14th Neuve Eglise
was taken by the Germans. Seven attacks in
Merville sector were repulsed. Near Bailleul
the British line was penetrated, but the position
was restored. It was on this day that General
Foch was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the
Allied Armies.
Earth that never doubts nor fears,
Earth that knows of death, not teare,
Earth that bore with joyful ease
Hemlock for Socrates,
Earth that blossomed and was glad
'Neath the cross that Christ had.
Shall yet grieve and blosisom too
When the bullet reaches you.
Wherefore, men marching
On the road to death, sing.
Pour gladness on earth's head.
So be grateful, so be dead.
Glory of thought and glory of deed,
Glory of Hampden and Runnymede :
Glory of ships that sought far goals,
Glory of swords and glory of souls.
Glory of songs mounting as birds.
Glory immortal of magical words :
Glory of Milton, glory of Nelson,
Tragical glory of Gordon and Scott :
Glory of Shelley, glory of Sidney,
Glory transcendent that perishes not —
Yours is the story, yours be the glory.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
135
PTE. ANTHONY McCUTOHEON
TURNBULL.
(Walkeeburn)
2nd K.O.S.B.
1918. April 15 (Monday).
Before enlistment Anthony Turnbull was em-
ployed with Messrs Henry Ballantyne & Sons,
Walkerburn, as an apprentice clerk. He at-
tested when he was 18 years of age, and joined
the army in Nov., 1916, when 18 years and 9
months. He was sent out to France on the
26th January, 1917, and he was in the midst of
the fighting up till December, 1917, when he
was sent to Italy along with his regiment. He
came back to France on the 7th of April, 1918,
and he was killed with a British shell, which
fell short and buried him in his dug-out, on the
15th of April, 1918, only 8 days after his coming
back to France, during which he and his bat-
talion had a very hot time of it trying to stop
the German advance. He was killed at Neippe
Forest near Merville, and he is buried in Haver-
ekerque Cemetery (British), 3J miles to the west
of Merville. In a letter which was received
after he was killed, his officer said that he had
been a brave lad, as he had done service both in
the line and out of it as signaller. He was 20
years of age at the time of his death.
Many a youthful shoulder now ie gay with an
epaulet.
And the hand that was deft with a cricket bat
is defter with a sword.
And some of the lads will laugh to-day where
the trench is red and wet.
And some will win on the bloody field the
accolade of the Lord.
Good-bye. No tears nor cries
Are fitting here, and long lament were vain,
Only the last, low words be softly said.
And the last greeting given above the Dead :
For Souls more pure and beautiful our eyes
Never shall see again.
FTE. WILLIAM KEEN
(Inneeleithen and New Zealand)
New Zealand Forceb.
1918. Apeil 21 (Sunday).
He was bom at St Ronan's Cottage, Cauld-
hame, Innerleithen, on the 29tli of Novem-
ber 1895. He went to school there until he
left with his parents for New Zealand in
November, 1902. After completing his ednca-
tion, William entered an office, wliere he re-
mained until ihe was 21 when he, like so
many more, volunteered for active service.
Joining in November, 1916, he left for the
front in April. 1917.
After taking part in engagements at Warne-
ton on August 1st, 1917, Abraham Heights in
October, Paschendaele in the same month,
Mailly Mallet on March 28, 1918, he was
fatally wounded at Courcelles on April 20tih.
His brother was some 200 yards away when
he fell.
The official report .says :— " Wounded in
action in the field on 21st April, 1918, he
was admitted to No. 2 New Zealand Field
Ambulance with a shell wound in his left
side, rigiht) leg. and back. Admitted to 3rd
Canadian Stationary Hospital, lie died there
the same day.''
His parents received information that he
was buried at Doullens. Two of his brothers,
Henry Keen and George Thorbum Keen, were
also in France, the former being invalided
home after coming through the Somme en-
gagement. His father was employed in
Messrs Beckett and Robertson's mill at In-
nerleithen for over 19 years, prior to his
emigration.
Comfort, content, delight.
The ages' slow-bought gain,
They shrivelled in a night
Only ourselves remain
To face the naked days
In silent fortitude.
Through perils and dismays.
Renewed and re-renewed.
Though all we made depart
The old Commandments stand,
" In patience keep your heart.
In strength lift up your hand."
Saint George he was a fighting man ihe's
here and fighting still.
While any wrong is yet to right, or dragon
yet to kOl;
And faith, he's finding work this day to suit
bis war-worn sword.
For he's strafing Huns in Flanders to th»
glory of the Lord.
Saint George he is a fighting man, but when
the fightings past.
And dead among the trampled fields the
fiercest and the last
Of all the dragons earth has known beneath
his feet lies low,
Oh, his heart will turn to Britain,
He'll come home to rest in Britain, where
the golden willows blow.
136
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PTE. JAHES PRESTON
4 /5th Black Watch.
1918. April 24.
He enlisted in Jvine, 1916 and was killed
on April 24th, 1918, Wednesday. He was a
shepherd.
In the whole of March and April there
had been continuous terrible fighting, and the
British were (hard pressed all the time. On
April 24 there were violent attacks on the
junction of the British and French on the
Amiens sector south of the Somme. Villers
Bretonneux was lost. The .battle was very
severe at Hangard, and the Germans finally
captured the village. Attacks were beaten off
east of Robecque and north-east of Bailleul.
There was heavy artillery fire in Woevre.
I think that death has two sides to it,
One sunny and one dark, as this round Earth
Is every day half sunny and half dark :
We on the dark side call the mystery death.
They on the other, looking down in ligiht,
Wait the glad birth witli other tears than
ours.
We who are left, how shall we look again
Happily on the sun or feel the rain,
Without remembering how they went
Ungrudgingly, and spent
Their all for us, loved, too the sun and rain.
A bird among the rain-wet lilac sings
But we, how shall we turn to little thinge
And listen to the birds and winds and
streams
Made holy by their dreams,
Nor feel the heart-break in the heart of
things
Thursday, April 25th, 1918, and nothing fur-
ther has been heard.
He was a good shepherd, attentive to duty.
Deep sympathy is felt for his parents.
The following letter from the Captain was
received by his father : —
" Dear Sir. — With reference to your letter,
dated, Jnne 17th, 1918, I am very sorry to say
that I can give you very little more in-
formation than you have already. What
actually happened was that he was on a
hill, which I am afraid must remain un-
named, which was surrounded by the en-
emy. Practically all the officers who were
in it have since been reported prisoners of
war in Germany so there is every pos-
sibility that he is also a prisoner. In
which case you will he tihe first to hear. —
Yours faithfully,
H. C. Vivian Thomas,
Captain.
Some montlis later, on lOtli December 1918,
in answer to enquiry. Captain Thomas
writes : —
"I nm very sorry that I can give no
further information than I did some month.';
ago. The only suggestion that I can make
to you is to enquire through the War
Office if anything h.is been henrd of him.
As prisoners are being sent home daily
from Germany it is quite possible that you
will hear something. I am afraid there
are n© other officers who can give you any
information as I am the only one left from
that time. The hill I referred to was
Kemmel Hill.
PTE. ROBERT HAMILTON
(Bhoughton and Peebles)
Scottish Rifles.
Machine Gun Section.
1918. April 25 (Thuesday).
Private Robert Hamilton, son of .T. Ham-
ilton, shepherd, Standalane, Peebles, prior
to enlisdng w;is employed as shepherd at
(>)rfitane. .Joined the forces 3rd April, 1917,
at 01oncor.se, being attached io the Scottish
Rifles and transferred to the Infantry
M.iohine Gun Section. Proceeding to France,
November. 1917, he took part in the great
offensive at Cambrai, was reported raifwingon
" He is gone,
I do not understand : I only know
That as he turned to go and waved his
hand
In his young eyes a .sudden glory sdione
And I was dazzled hy a sunlike glow."
Ye sleepers, who will sing .youP
We can but give our tears.
Ye dead men who shall bring you
Fame in the coming years?
Brave souls . . . but who remembers
The fame that fired your embers P
Deep, deep the sleep tliat holds you
Who at one lime liad no peers.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
137
PTE. JOHN PATERSON
(Walkerburn)
12th RoTAi Scots.
1918. April 25.
My boy has been a prisoner of war since
April 25th. 1918, and so I have not" he.ard
othenvise: I am still expecting him home
yet.
M. Pateesqn.
I am sending you a photo of my son Pte.
John Paterson. 12th Royal Soots, which you
asked me for a while ago. He was nineteen
years of age. I have been t«ld that he died
of starvation while a prisoner of war in
Germany.
O look, my son, npon yon sign
Of the Redeemer's grace divine :
0. think on faith and bliss.
By many a death-bed I have been,
And many a soldier's parting seen_
But never augiht like this.
The war that for a space did fail.
Now trebly thundering, swelled the gale.
The sunset fades along the shore,
And faints behind yon rosy reach of sea.
Night falls again, but oh, no more,
No more, no more.
My love returns to me.
The lonaly moon builds soft and slow
Her silver bridge across the main.
But him who sleeps the grass below
Love waits in vain.
Ah no ah no,
He never comes again.
PRIVATE ROBERT BLAIEIE
(Walkebbuen)
Royal Scots.
1918. April 26 (Friday).
Mr and Mrs Blaikie Holylee, were in-
formed officially that their son. Private
Robert Blaikie, Royal Scots, had fallen in
France. He was their only and beloved son.
He was born at Holylee and was aged twenty-
three when he fell. Private Blaikie was one
of those gallant lads of Tweeddale wlho
joined up in 1914, the only son of his parents.
His employment at the time was that of
chaufieur. His sweetheart mourns his loss.
He fell at Kemmel Hill.
On that day tihe Germans had occupied
Kemmel Hill and village. They gained also
Uranoutre after very severe fighting. Locre
vvas lost, but was retaken by the French.
The Allied line had to fall back on Ypres-
Comines Canal. But at Voormezeele (Ypres)
heavy fighting resulted in the repulse of the
Germans. On the following day the place
was twice attacked by the Germans without
result. There was much local fighting astride
Ypres-Comines Canal. In the Luce Valley
and at Givenchy the fighting was to the ad-
vantage of the Allies. Hangard Wood was
recaptured.
You seemed so young, to know
So little, those few months or years ago.
Who may by now have disentwined
The inmost secrets of the Eternal Mind.
Yours seemed an easy part.
To construe, learn some trivial lines by heart :
Yet to your hands has God assigned
The burden of the sorrows of mankind.
Here, in the marshland past the battered
bridge.
One of a hundred grains untimely sown.
Here, with his comrades of the hard-won
ridge,
He rests unknown.
His horoscope had seemed so plainly drawn.
School triumphs, earned apace in work and
play;
Friendships at will then love's delightful
dawn
And mellowing day.
Paradise now has many a knight.
Many a lordkin, many lords.
Glimmer of armour dinted and bright.
The young knights have put on new swords.
Some have barely the down on the lip,
Smiling yet with the new-won spurs,
Tlfeir wounds are rubies, glowing and deep.
Their scars are amethyst— glorious scars.
PRIVATE THOMAS ORMISTON
(Eddleston)
Highland Light Infantry.
1918. April 27 (Saturday).
Notification was received that Private
Thomas Ormiston, in tihe Highland Light
InfantnTT, had been reported officially as hav-
ing fallen in France on the 27th April. He
138
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
was unmarried and aged thirty-seven when
he fell. He worked as a roadman in the
employment of the Peeblesshire County C!oun-
cil, and thereafter was with the Peebles CSo-
operative Society. He was a native of Loan-
head. Private Ormiston joined up in 1915.
and was wounded and gassed in 1916. He
Wiis employed at West Loch and Hatton-
knowe.
It was on this day that so much terrible
fighting occurred astride the Ypres-Comines
Canal.
Not long did we lie on the torn, red field of
pain,
We fell, we lay, we slumbered, we took rest,
With the wild nerves quiet at last, and the
vexed brain
Cleared of the winged night-mares and the
breast
Freed of the heavy dreams of hearts afar,
We rose at last under the morning star.
If I die to-morrow
I shall go happily.
With the flush of battle on my face
I shall walk with an eager pace
The road I cannot see.
PRIVATE DOUGLAS TELPER
(Broughton)
Royal Scots Fitsiliers.
1918. Apeil 28 (Sttndat).
Private Douglas Telfer Hartree, was ser-
ving as a grocer in Biggar when Tie joined the
Scottish Eifles on 19th February, 1917, and
was transferred later to the Eoyal Scots
Fusiliers.
After a period of service in France he was
invalided home for some time. Returning to
France he met his death on Sunday, the 28th
April 1918, at the age of nineteen and a
half years, and was buried somewhere in
Lille.
" Yet the thought comes thrilling through
all my pain ; how wortliier could he die?
Yea, a loss like that is a glorious gain, and
pitiful, proud am I.
For peace must be bought with blood and
tears, and the boys of our hearts must
pay;
And so in our joy of the after years, let ua
bless them every day.
And though I know there's a hasty g^rave
with a poor little cross at it's head,
And the gold of his youth he so gladly
gave, yet to me he'll never be dead."
On the day that Douglas Telfer fell the
Germans again attacked at Locre, but were
repulsed. There was great artillery activity
in the Luce Valley and south of Lassigny.
Further attacks on Hangard Wood were re-
pulsed.
GEORGE BLAKE
(Innebleithen)
2nd Royal Scots (attached Royal
Engineees.)
1918. May 2 (Thursday).
He had had twelve years' service and was
in the army all through the war in SoTitih
Africa for which he held medals, both the
King's and Queen Victoria's. He was em-
ployed in the mills at Innerleithen, and died
there, aged 4.6. leaving eight children.
He had been in the TerritorialB for more
than 5 years and was mobilised one year.
He re-enlisted in 1914, and was in the British
Expeditionary Force for over 147 days. He
obtained the Mons Star.
At the front the battle of the Lys had now
come to an end, having raged with awful
ferocity since the 9tli of April.
W© that have seen the strongest
Cry like a beaten child,
The sanest eye unholy.
The cleanest hands defiled.
We that have known the heart blood.
Less than the lees of wine,
We that have seen men broken.
We know man is divine.
May I reach
The pure.=;t Heaven, be to other souls
The cup of strength in some great agony.
Enkindle generous ardour, feed pure love,
Beget the smiles that have no cruelty.
So shall I join the ohoir invisible
Whose music is the gladness of the world.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
139
CORPORAL W. AUKES
(Innerleithen and Buenos Ayebs)
Railway Operating Division :
EoYAL Engineers.
1918. May 20 (Monday).
Died in hospital from heart failure, 20th
May. Corporal W. Aitken, 218762, E.O.D.,
E.E., late of Los Talleres, Buenos Ayres,
youngest brother of Mrs Eobert Wilson, 4
Bond Street, Innerleithen.
Ck>rporal William Aitken began Ms public
life with the Arniston Colliery Company.
Thereafter he proceeded to India, where
lie was employed as a driver in the Govern-
ment railways. On the 6th of January, 1906,
he went to Buenos Ayres in the Argentine,
and became locomotive inspector under the
Great Soutliern Railway Company. But with
the Mother C^juntry at war, William Aitken
wais not the man to continue apart in her
hour of need. Although tlien of middle
age, he set out at once for home. He ar-
rived in December, 1916, and joined up in
the Eoyal Engineers on the 4th of January,
1917. As is well-known, the work at the
front was strenuous, continuous and ex-
hausting. William Aitken was now aged
46, and after seventeen months of con-
scientious duty, he succumbed to heart fail-
ure in an hospital in France, on the 20th of
May, 1918.
"His death is greatly regretted by all his
comrades, who know that they have lost in
him a loyal friend. He was respected by
all who knew him and his officers recog-
nised in him a conscientious and trust-
worthy man, who never failed in the per-
formance of his duty. In coming home
from South America as he did, to serve
his country, he set a noble example, and
proved himself to be a loyal and worthy
citis^^n." (Extract from letter rteceived
from his officer.)
Our world has passed away.
In wantonness o'eithrown,
There is nothing left to-day.
But steel and fire and stone.
Though all we knew depart.
The old Commandments stand ;
" In courage keep your heart.
In strength lift up your hand."
In each other's faces
Looked the pioneers ;
Drank the wine of courage.
All their battle years.
For their weary sowing
Through the world wide;
Green they saw the harvest.
Ere tlie day they died.
But the grey, grey company
Stood every man alone.
In the chilly dawn-light.
Scarcely had they known
Ere the day they perished
That their beacon star
Was not glint of marsh-light
In tlie shadows far.
SECOND-LIEUT. H. H. YOUNG
(Innerleithen)
Seaeorth Highlanders,
1918. May 26 (Sunday).
In loving memory of Hugh Hutchison
Young, Lieutenant, 6th Seaforth Highland-
ers, who was killed in action in France,
26th May, 1918, the very dearly beloved son
of Mrs Young, Traquair Arms Hotel, In-
nerleithen.
Lieutenant Young was an analyst, and
some months previous to the outbreak of
war had oome home after terminating an en-
gagement with the Burmah Oil Company in
India. His brother. Jack, held a commis-
sion in the Royal Scots, and was in Prance,
while his brother, James, was a Major in
the Royal Engineers, and was at that time
serving in India.
He joined the Lovat Scouts in 1914 in the
September of that year, and the following
September went on active service ; first in
Gallipoli at Suvla Bay, where he formed
one of the rearguard at the evacuation there,
and afterwards in Egypt and Salonika.
After two years' continued service abroad,
he came home to take a commission, and
was gazetted to the Seaforth Highlanders in
January, 1918. He went to Franc© in April,
and was theie only six weeks, being killed
on 26th May. His Colonel wrote:—
" Just previous to his death he had been
on patrol doing excellent work. Shortly
after his return from this work a trencih
mortar bomb landed in the part of the
trench which he was occupying, killing him
instanfcaneously. Hie was bujied in a
140
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
military cemetery about one mile from
Fletre. He had not been with ns very long,
but he was looked upon as a most promis-
ing officer and is much missed."
His Captain also wrote : —
"Previous to his death he had been out
in ' No Man's Land ' on patrol duty for
an hour and a half. He came back with
some very useful information, but, unfor-
tunately, no sooner had he regained our
own lines than the enemy opened fire with
a heavy barrage. He was hit almost im-
mediately, and was killed instantaneously.
Everybody in the company was very upset
at the terrible news and no one regrets
his death more than I do. It didn't take
very long to find out that he was going
to be an excellent officer. He was very
painstaking and conscientious and in every
way devoted to his duty. He will be
missed, not only as a veiy capable officer,
but as a very good friend.''
His servant also wrote, saying how well
liked he was both by officers and men of
his battalion.
Sleep well, heroic soul, in silence sleep,
Ifeipped in the circling arms of kindly death.
No ill can vex your slumber, no foul breath
Of slander, hate, derision, mar the deep
Repose that holds you close. Your kinsmen
reap
The harvest you have sown, while each man
saith :
" So would I choose, when danger threaten-
eth.
Let my death be as his." We dare not
weep.
There the grape-pickers at their harvesting
Shall lightly tread and load their wicker
trays,
Blee-sing his memory as they toil and sing
In the slant sunshine of October days.
I love to think that if my blood should be
So privileged to sink where his lias sunk,
1 shall not pass from earth entirely.
But when the banquet rings, when healths
are drunk,
And faces that the joys of living fill
Glow radiant with laugliier and good
cheer.
In beaming cups some spark of me shall
still
Brim toward the lips that onco I held bo
dear.
MAJOB ROBERT DIOESON
(KiBKURD, Newlands, West Linton)
DuBHAM Light Inpantbt.
1918. Mat 27 (Mondat).
Reported killed in action, on 27th May,
Major Robert Dickson, D.C.M., Durham
Light Infantry, aged 26, son of Mr and
Mrs James Dickson, Blyth, Dolphinton. "To
memory ever dear."
Official intimation was received by Mr
James Dickson, ploughman, Blyth Farm,
Dolphinton, informing him that his son.
Major Robert Dickson, D.C.M., Durham
Light Infantry, had been killed in action
in France on 27th May. Only three weeks
ago there was recorded the deceased officer's
promotion from the rank of Captain to
that of Major, and there was given a brief
outline of Major Dickson's rapid promotion
during the present war, from when he was
mobilised as a Territorial private.
Major Dickson, who was 27 years of age,
and was unmarriedj was well known to the
members of the l/8th Royal Scots, with
whom he went to France during November,
1914, when the battalion was among the first
of the territorial units to arrive in France
on the outbreak of war— August 4th, 1914.
When he was mobilised as a member of the
West Linton detachment of the l/8th Royal
Scots, he was employed as a vanman with
Messrs J. & M. Noble, general merchants,
Blythbridge. Major Dickson, who had been
continuously on active service in France,
took part in many engagements, through all
of which he came out unscathed. During
the early stages of the war, when he was
attached to the Brigade bombers at the
battle of Festubert on 16th May, 1915, Major
Dickson (then a private) gained the D.C.M.
for braveryi on the field, and was promoted
to lance-corporal. During 1916 he was pro-
moted to sergeant. Sometime tifter he was
transferred to the Cadet School at the
Base to undergo training with a view to a
vommission. On 5th April, 1917, he was
gazetted Second Lieutenant and was attached
to the Durham Light Infantry. While home
on furlough last December, he received word
that ho had been promoted to the rank of
Captain as from 6th December, 1917, and
duiing May he was appointed to tho respon-
niblo office of Major. When killed. Major
Dickson was acting Lieutenant-Colonel.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
141
A younger brother, Clayton, was a lance-
corporal in the H.L.I, in France, and was
in hospital wounded. Major Dickson's eld-
est sister, Jeannie, for over two years acted
as a V.A.D. nurse at Lynehurst Hospital,
West Ldnton.
I that have been so loved, go hence alone;
And ye, now gathe'ing round my own
hearth's glow.
Sweet friends. It may be that a softer tone.
Even in this moment, with your laughing
Mingles its cadence while you speak of me ;
Of me, your soldier, 'midst the mountains
lying,
On the red banner of his battles dying.
Rest with your still and solemn fame;
The hills keep record of your name.
But never can a touch of shame
Darken the buried brow.
But we on changeful days are cast.
When bright names from their place fall
fast.
And ye that with your glory passed.
We cannot mourn you now.
CORPORAL ROBERT IRIVE HALL
(Inneeleithek)
EoYAL Aemt Service Corp.
1918. Mat 27 (Monday).
Killed in France, on active service, on the
27th May, Corporal Robert Irive Hall, Army
Service Corps, only son of William Hall,
Penrose, Innerleithen, aged 30.
" I am so sorry to have to inform you of
the death of your son. Corporal Hall, of 191
Siege Battery Ammunition Column. He
lost his life in as noble a cause as could ever
fall to the lot of a man. We were retiring
in the first brush of the enemy's onslaught
on that sector, picking up the men of our
battery, when we heard some stragglers
from another battery had not got clear, and
your son went with four lorries to their
aid. Two of the lorries were disabled by
shell fire and your son killed. This took
place on the 27th May, and I have not been
able to communicate with you before this,
as we have been cut off from our Park since
then, and this is the first occasion on which
I have got into touch with the Brigade aad
postal facilities. I assure you the of&cers
and men deplore his loss immensely. He
was greatly esteemed by all of us. Always
ready, always reliable, a better soldier it
would be difficult to meet with, whilst as a
comrade, his good fellowship made him
very popular amongst us, and the warmest
sympathies of our entire column are with
you in your loss."
"It is my painful duty to inform you of
your son's death ; he was killed by an enemy
shell on 27th May, 1918. He has been in my
company for some time, and I had always
found him willing, trustworthy, and in
every way most reliable. I was, as we all
were, very sorry indeed to lose him. He
was liked by everyone on the columns, and
had earned for himself the respect of all. In
this letter I wish to convey my deepest
sympathy, and trust that you will be able
to find some consolation in the knowledge
that he died while in the execution of his
duty."
We see but dimly through the mists and
vapours.
Amid these earthly damps.
What seem to us but sad, funereal tapers.
May be Heaven's distant lamps.
There is no death. What seems so in tran-
sition.
This life of mortal breath
Is but a suburb of the life Elysian,
Whose portal we call death.
Under the little crosses where they rise
The soldier rests. Now around him un-
dismayed
The cannon thunders, and at night he lies
At peace beneath the eternal fusillade.
That other generations might possess.
From shame and menace free in years to
come,
A richer heritage of happiness.
He marched to that heroic martyrdom.
To the heroic memory of the Colonel (un-
named), of the 28 officers (unnamed), and
of the 552 unknown British, who on May
27th, in the German Ofi'ensive of 1918, held
their trenches to the last man and died for
Britain and for France.
U2
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Then, from their place of ancient glory.
All sheathed in shining brass.
Three hiiadred men, of the Grecian glen,
Marched down to see them pass.
And the long-silent flutes of Spai'ta
Poured haughty welcome forth.
Stern hymns to crown, with just renown,
Her brethren of the North."
SERGEANT JAMES R. BERRY
CWalkefbubx)
Royal Scots.
1918. May 31 (Feiday).
Mr and Mrs Berry, Hall Street, Walker-
bum, received ofiBcial intimation that their
eldest Bon, Sergeant James R. Berry, Royal
Scots, died on the 31st May as the result of
wounds received in action on the 28th May.
Sergeant Berry, who was 22 years of age,
and a Territorial, was mobilised at the out-
break of war, and went to France in 1917. He
was formerly employed in Tweedholm Mills,
Walkerburn.
The third battle of the Aisne had begun
on May 27. The Germans delivered great at-
tacka between Soissons and Rheims, and
the line of the Allies was pressed back. The
Germans crossed the Aisne on the 28th, and
on the 29th they took Soissons. On the 31st,
when James Berry fell, they reached the
Marne River, from Chateau Thiery to Dar-
mans, and advanced on Compiegne.
" Since thou hast touched ambition on the
side
Of nobleness, and stirred my proudest hope.
And wilt fulfil this, shall I count the cost?
Rather decay will triumph, and cold death
Be tapped in glory, seeing strength arise
From weakness, from the tomb go forth a
flame."
Careless philosopher, the first to laugh.
The latest to complain.
Unmindful that you teach, you taught me
this
In your long fight with pain;
Since God made man so good — bore stands
my creed,
God is good indeed.
Whispers shall comfort us out of the dark,
Hands— ah, God, that we knew —
Visions and voices— look and hark —
Shall prove that our tale is true.
PRIVATE ALEX. OGILVIE
(Ltne and Stobo)
Royal Enginebes.
1918. June 1 (Satubdat).
Reported died of wounds at 54th Field
Ambulance, France, on 1st June, Alexander
Og:ilvie, Road Construction Company, Royal
Engineers, in his 42nd year, beloved husband
of Helen Muir, and son-in-law of Wm. Muir,
sen., Sherifimuir, Lyne.
Mrs Alexander Ogilvie, Sheriffmuir, Lyne,
received official word that her husband. Sap-
per Alex. Ogilvie, Royal Engineers (Road
Construction Corps), was killed in France
on 1st June. Pievious to enlisting, during
September, 1917, he was employed as a
roadman with Peeblesshire County Council.
The deceased, who was 42 years of age, and
survived by his wife and a young family ot
three — one boy, 9 years of age, and two
daughters, 8 years, and 17 months respective-
ly — proceeded to Prance during January,
1918.
" He was killed by an enemy sihell on
the road about fifty yaids away from the
ambulance dressing station. He suffered
no i)ain, as death was instantaneous. I
knew him very well, and he was one of
my very best men. He is a great loss to
the whole company. The whole company
attended his funeral at the little country
churchyard where he is buried."
The dead are with us everywhere.
By night and day;
No road we tread but they have wandered
there,
Who now lie still beneath the grass
Of some shell-scarred and distant plain.
Beyond the fear of death, beyond all pain.
And in the silence you can hear their noise-
less footsteps pass.
The dead are with us always, night and
day.
Roadmen, they say, we rather call them
guides
Thix>ugh verdant haughs, past glittering
streams,
'Neath fragrant cthestnut. scented thorn,
where lies
Heaven's varied incense, wakening; dreams
Of Paradise. Yet you and your gallant
comrades trod
Through death's dark vale right up to God
Whore pastures green rofresli the weary feet.
And sundered friends by quiet waters
meet.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
143
BOLL OF COUNTY ROADMEN WHO WERE KILLED
IN ACTION.
Sergeant G. Anderson, Royal Scots.
Sergeant A. Stevenson, Royal Scots.
Private J. Dickson, Royal Scots.
Private A. Lockie, Royal Scots.
■ Private J. McGuire, Cameron Highlanders.
Private A.. Ogilvie, Royal Engineers.
W'hen first the surface of the road
Rang to the tread of the marching Roman,
And Csesar's legions seaward strode
To find a yet unmastered foeman.
Full many a word of ancient flavour,
Rolled far along the muddy way ;
Strong language from the higihway's pavior.
Whose echoes linger to this day.
A thousand years when England lay.
Not Scotland — 'neath tlie Norman raider ;
The cobbles of the age-worn way
Echoed the march of the mailed crusader.
Whilst many a word of pious fervour.
Between their chaunt and roundelay.
Gave proof to any close observe; .
That men were little changed that day.
Again a thousand years — again
The ancient frontier mad enslaving.
Come horse and cannon, motor, train;
All sweep along the narrow paving.
A wondrous change, you say?. But listen.
Listen to the words they say :
What matter cannon, petrol, pistol.
The men are just the same to-day.
LIEUTENANT BENJAMIN HALL BLYTH
HENDEKSON
(TWEEDSMriR)
1918. June 18 (Tuesday).
He succumbed on the 18th of June to
the wounds which he received in France.
His father was Inspector of Works during
the construction < oB Talla reseirvoir at
Tweedsmuir. He received a portion of his
education at Tweedsmuir Public School and
was a young man of excellent parts and of
great promise.
The Germans had advanced down the
Ourcq on the first of June, taking Chouy
and Neuilly St. front. On the following day
there was a violent battle on Ourcq and an
attack on the Chateau Tierry road. This
ended the third battle of the Aisne. On the
following days they captured Pernant and
Veuilly-la-Poterie, but were checked by the
Americans. On the 9th of June, the first
battle of Lassigny began with an advance
by the Germans on Compiegne. The battle
ended on the 13th. On the 14th the British
made a successful midnight attack north of
Bethune along the La Bassee canal, and on
the 18th, the French repulsed the Germans
on the Rheims front.
THE THIED BATTLE OF THE AISNE.
During May, 1918, there was little to re-
cord. On the nights of the 5th and the
7tih, we advanced our line between the Somme
and the Ancre. On the 4th the enemy at-
tacked the new front without success. The
remainder of the month passed in tense
expectancy, and then, in the last week of
the month, the doubt was resolved. Very
early on the morning of the 27th of May
the storm broke. The French gains van-
ished like smoke ; and the enemy was aeross
the Aisne. On the second day he was be-
yond the Vesle; and on the third he was
looking down from the heigihts of Tardenois
on the waters of the Marne.
" We have put a ring about the British
Islands,'' said Helfierich on the 24th April,
" a ring- which every day is drawn closer,
and we shall bring the war to a decision in
the west of France and on the waters abouit
England."
On the 27th May, a sharp bombardment
by the enemy began everywhere from Ailette
to the suburbs of Rheims. In the afternoon
the infantry advanced, and in an hour or
two had swept the French from the crest
of the ridge. By nightfall the enemy had
advanced twelve miles. On the 28th of May
the Allied wings were forced back. The
German forces steadily advanced, and soon
were upon the heights overlooking Soissons
from the north. American troops now for
the first time took part in the main battle.
On Wednesday, the 29th May, Soissons fell.
On that day there was a general falling
backi everyiw'here. On tthe) QOtihi May, the
Germans made a strong forward thrust. They
had advanced thirty miles in seventy two
hours. The French were driven further
back on the 31st May. There was severe
fighting backwards and forwards on the 1st
144
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
and 2nd June. On the 3rd of June, fhe
French had recovered some part of the
hill. On the 4th. 5th, and 6th, the Ger-
mans were driven back by the British and
by the French. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th,
fresh attacks upon the Allies were made
by a German new army. The battle front
was now gigantic, no less than 100 miles,
from Mesnil to Eheims. On the 11th June,
the French repulsed German attacks and re-
took some ground ; and the Americans made
a fine advance at Belleau Wood, and took
300 prisoners. On the 12th and 13th, the
Germans captured many villages. On the
18th June, the enemy attacked at Rheims,
which they hoped to capture ; but they did
not succeed. The remainder of June was
occupied with small attacks by the British
and French, all of which were successful.
After I am dead.
And have become part of the soil of France,
This miich remember of me :
I was a great sinner, a great lover, and life
puzzled me very much.
Ah, love, I would have died for love !
Love can do .so much both rightly and
wrongly.
It remembers motliers and little children.
And lots of other things.
men unborn, I go now, ray work unfin-
ished;
1 pass on the problem to you, the world will
hate you, be brave.
Be laurel to the victor.
And roses to the fair,
And Asphodel Elysian
Let the hero wear.
But lay the maiden lilies
Upon their narrow biers.
The lone grey company,
The Scottish the pioneers.
PRIVATE ARCHIBALD DOUGLAS SOOTT
Military Medal
(Twebdsmuie)
Scottish Ripleb
1918. June 20 (Thuhsday).
Died an a prisoner of war at Stendal, Ger-
many, on 20th June of pneumonia. Private
Archibald Douglas Scott, M.M., Scottish
Rifles, in hie 24th year, eldest and beloved
Mon ')f William and Agnes Scott, Kirkgate,
Douglas, and grandson of Archibald Doug-
las, shepherd, Menzion, Tweedsmuir.
Information has been received by his re-
latives that Private Archibald Douglas Scott,
M.M., Scottish Rifles, died a prisoner of war
at Stendal, Germany, on 20th June. Private
Scott, who was in his 24th year, was young
shepherd at Menzion, with his grandfather,
Mr Archibald Douglas. He joined the Army
three years previous, and did excellent ser-
vice in France, winning the Military Medal,
and receiving high praise from his com-
manding officer for conspicuous gallantry as
a despatch carrier. During the March
battles he was taken prisoner, and the last
news received from him was in July, though
he is said to have died in June. Before
joining the Army, Private SCott was a mem-
ber of the local Volunteer Company, and on
Sunday the Volunteers paraded at a memor-
ial service in the church here, conducted by
the Rev. W. S. Crockett, at which refer-
ence was made to Private Scott's many ad-
mirable qualities— his devotion as a shep-
herd, his courage as a soldier, his kindly
and winsome charactei- as a man. Much
sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Douglas,
Menzion, as well as for Private Scott's par-
ents, who reside at Douglas, Lanarkshire.
Instead of being a prisoner at Stendal,
however, as post-cards sent by him, and
stamped with the post-mark of that place had
led his friends to suppose, it appears, from
the indisputable evidence of a repatriated
chum, that he was really employed behind
the German lines to within a few days of
his death. Weak and ill, he was sent to
Stendal about the 15th June, with a num-
ber of other prisoners who had broken
down, one of wihom, in answer to an adver-
tisement, now tells the pitiful story of a
deliberate lie on the part of the Huns, and
a truly heroic endurance on the part of
Archie Scott and his comrades.
If I should fall, grieve not that one so weak
And poor as I
Should die.
Nay ! though thy heart should break,
Think only this; that when at dusk they
speak
Of sons and brothers of another one;
Then thou canst say — "I too had a son;
He died for Britain's sake."
C'oHrOljAL W. AlTKEN,
TkI^KIM.KITII KN AND BuKNOS AyRES.
Major TvOdekt Dickson.
Ktrkurd. Nk\vi>ani>s. Wkst T.inton.
Sl'X'DND-LlKUTl'.NANX H. ]I. YoUNG,
Innerleithen.
( ori'iihaij lioiiEU'i' linvio Hali..
Innerleithen.
Sergeant James R_ Herry,
Wai.kerbubn.
Lieut. Ui^njamin IIai.i, Ulytu "IIendehson,
TWEBnsMUIR.
I'll IV \'l I', \ I.KX. < Icil l.\ li:
l,YNE ANIJ StoHO.
I'lllVATI'; AhCII IIIAI.II l)oil(JJ,AS St'OTT, M.M.
'I'vVliliDHMUlli.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
145
Some men with swoids may reap the field,
And plant fresh laurels where they kill;
But their strong nerves at last must yield,
They tame but one another still.
Early or late
They stoop to fate.
And must give up their murmuring breath.
When they, pale captives, creep to death.
my brotiheis, my more than brothers,
Lost and gone are those days indeed ;
Where are the bells, the friends, the voices.
All that made us cue blood and breed.
Gone, and in many an unknown pitfall
You have fallen and died like men.
And here I sit in a quiet chamber
Writing on you with my pen.
PRIVATE ANDEEW B. GEDDES
(Manor and Lyne)
Scottish Eifles.
1918. July 23 (Tuesday).
Andrew/^ Bj-'own Oeddes; born, April 3,
1899, at Hamildean, in the parisli of Lvne,
county of Peebles ; killed in action, 23i d
July, 1918; battalion, 10th Scottisih Eifles.
Mr John Geddes, forester. Barns, received
word that his second youngest son. Private
Andrew Brown Geddes, Scoltisli Eifles, had
fallen in action on 23rd .Tuly. In conveying
the sad intelligence of their son's death to
Mr and Mrs Geddes, Second Lieutenant
Mackie spoke of him as a good and Inave
soldier, always stiiving to do his best in
everything; he undertook, and said how
great his loss had been felt by all his com-
rades. Private Geddes met bis death fight-
ing bravely in operations which were ul-
timately crowned with compile success.
Before joining the army. Private Geddes
was employed as a forester on the Bains
astate. On Sunday in Manor Parish Church,
the Eev. M. Taggart, Lyne, officiated, and
at the close of the sermon befitting the
times, he made appropriate and feeling re-
ference to the death of the young soldier.
Much sympathy is felt in all quarters for
Mr and Mrs Geddes and family in their
bereavement.
SECOND MABNE BATTLE.
On July 18, 1918, the sway of battle in the
second great struggle on the Marne turned
against the Germans. They had opened the
last of their stupendous offensives at 10
a.m. on July 15. Just 10 minutes before
their barrage broke loose, the French guns
began to fire tenibly, a sign that the
French were not to be surprised. All day
of the 15th, William II. watched from a
wooden tower near Eheims througih a haze
of dust and gas the German pincers closing
on that battered city.
On the 16th, his reports and the evidence
of his eyes showed him definitely that the
offensive was failing. The pincers did not
close on Eheims. The French and United
States troops attacked with extreme violence
the Germans who had made their way south
of the Marne and brought them to a com-
plete standstill. The .Allied aircraft concen-
trated and rained bombs on the German
bridges and supply trains till the roads
weie black with the shattered wagons and
bodies of horses and men.
On July 18, Foch delivered a heavy coun-
ter-stroke which compelled Ludendorff to
break off the offensive. It was the begin-
ning of the end.
Thou art gone to the grave, but we will
not deplore thee ;
Whose God was thy ransom, thy guardian
and guide.
He gave thee, He took thee, and He will
restore thee,
And death has no sting, for the Saviour
has died.
No longer on their ears
The bugle's .summons falls;
Beyond these jangled spheres
The Archangel's trumpet calls;
And by that trumpet led
Far up the exalted sky
The army of the dead
Goes by, and still goes by —
Look upward, standing mute;
Salute.
God, the God of battles.
To us who intercede :
Give only strength to follow
Until there's no more need ;
And grant us at that ending
Of the unkindly quest
To come iinto tlie quie-t isles
Beyond death's starry west.
146
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
SECOND LIEUTENANT HENRY BAWSON
TAGGABT
(Ltne and Meqget)
3rd Aeqyll and Sdtheeland Highlanders,
ATTACHED 1st BlACK WaTCH.
1918. July 24 (Wednespat).
Henry Eawson Taggart, the elder eon of
the Eev. M. Taggai-t, minister of Lyne, was
born at Glasgow on 9th September, 1898, his
father being then minister of St Thomas'
J'arish Church in that city. When he came
to Lyne he was 9 years old. He was educated
first at the parish school of Lyne, and there-
after at Peebles High School. He was at the
latter when the war broke out, and early in
1915, when he was but 16 years of age, he
joined the Peebles company of the Peebles-
shire Home Guards. In September, 1915, he
went to Glasgow Academy, and continued his
military training by joining the O.T.C. con-
tingent there. He also passed in the Higher
Subjects of Latin, Greek, and English. In
September, 1916, he entered the Edinburgh
University O.T.C, where in a few months he
was promoted to be Lance-corporal. In the
following year, in the month of April, he was
.sent to No. II. Officer Cadet Battalion, Cam-
bridge, and there, after four months train-
ing, passed his examinations. On 1st August
of that year he was gazetted as Second
Lieutenant in the 3rd Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders (Special Eeserve), and joined the
battalion at Dreghorn Castle, near Edin-
burgh. The following November the batta-
li on moved to Kinsale, Ireland, and he was
there for six months. In the spring of 1918
he received orders to proceed overseas, and
on 9th May he arrived in France, and was
attached to the 1st Battalion the Black Watch
(Royal Highlanders), which was in the 1st
Division (General Home's), and was at that
time holding the line at the Hohenzollern Re-
doubt, near La Bassee. He went into tho
front line on 28th May, and with the excep-
tion of a fortnight at a gas school, was there
until the end, which came on 24th July. At 3
o'clock on tlie morning of that day, while go-
ing his round in the trenchos, he was struck
by a trench mortar bomb, and mortally
wounded. Half an hour later, without rc-
;,'iiining consciousness, he paissed away. He
wa« buried the next diiy in the Coiiimunal Ex-
tenHion Cemetery ;it Sailly-la-Boiirse, where a
cross ha« been erected over his grave. After
his death letters were received from his
colonel, his company commander, and other
brother officers, all of whom wrote of him in
the highest terms. He had endeared himself
to them all and to the men under him by his
bright, cheery disposition and devotion to
duty, by his clear mind, his keen brain, and
eager spirit.
" Last Sunday, before going into the
trenches, he attended a voluntary service,
at which only three officers were present,
the Colonel, the second in command, and
himself, with a few men. I saw him the
night before, and he was exceedingly cheery
and happy."
"I should like you and Mrs Taggart to
know how much his death means to all of
us — officers and men — who knew him out
here. As his company commander, I got to
know hira well, although he was out such a
short time with us, and I can say from the
bottom of iny heart that your son meant
more to me tlian I can possibly say. He
was as gallant and diligent an officer as 1
could ever wish to .serve with, and his con-
stant cheerfulness and kindness of heart
made him loved by all his men and by me
as a very dear friend."
" I hope you will forgive me troubling
you at a time like this, when I know a let-
ter can do so little, but I feel I must let you
know what a. great loss I feel in the death
of your dear boy, though I know it can only
be trifling compared with the sorrow you
must feel.
Ilis smile and his ready laugh had won
all our hearts. I shall always treasure the
memory of it and of the good clean soul
that is his. I think you will like to know
these things, though you can scarcely need
the assurance of them.
There is just one other thing I wish to
say, and that is that our term was one of
affection, for your boy was killed at a post
of danger when there was security beside
him. lla had chosen the better part, and
I'm sure he ha.s his reward.
He was immensely popular, chiefly, I
think, by reason of his quiet and unassum-
ing manner.
He told me that he was thinking of trans-
ferring to the regular Army. Had he lived
to do so I am sure he would have had a
most successful career ns a soldier. Still,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
147
he died a soldier's death, gallantly standing
by his men in the forward line.
I can assure you that his men will not
forget his example, and I will always re-
member him as one of the l)est of friends."
Surely the Keeper of the House of Death
Had long grown weary of letting in the old —
Of welcoming the aged, the short of breath.
Sad spirits, duller than their tales oft told.
He must have longed to gather in the gold
Of shining youth to deck his dreary spaces —
To hear no more old wail and sorrowing.
And now he has his wish, and the young
faces
Are crowding in ; and laughter fill's Death's
places :
And all his courts are gay with flowers of
Spring.
You have scaled the starry heights of fame,
Nor ever shrunk from peril and distress.
In fight undaunted for the conqueror's prize ;
Therefore your death, engirt with loveliness
Of simple service done for Scotland's name.
Shall shine like a beacon-star of sacrifice.
SECOND LIEUT. BOBEKT RICHARDSON
(Mange)
4th Eoyal Scots (attached 12th).
1918. JuLT 26 (Fbidat).
Eobert Richardson, 2nd Lieutenant, 4th
Eoyal Scots (attached 12th), was born in
Manor Schoolhouse, Peebles, on 23rd July,
1893, and cTied of wounds received in action
on 26th July, 1918, and is buried in Souvinii
Cemetery, Longuenesse, near St Onier, France.
He was the eldest son of John Richardson,
schoolmaster. Manor, and was educated at
Manor Public School and Peebles High
School, and at the time he joined the Army
was an arts student at Edinbiu'gh University.
He joined as a private, and after getting his
commission went to France, where he was re-
ported "missing" on the 26th April, 1918, but
eventually got back to his vnit again. The
following was sent by an officer from France
re above : —
" Although entirely cut off from his own
company in the early morning mist during
an evening attack, he still retained those
strongly ingrained characteristics of the so-
calltd dour Scot— keen observation, perse-
verance, and endurance. With everything
against him these pulled him through. He
fought coolly and desperately with a fast
dwindling platoon, and contrived at last to
get into touch with an English battalion.
There one might think an ordinary indi-
vidual would rest content on his laurels ;
but not so. Incorporating the remnants of
his platoon with the Englishmen, the Scots
subaltern formed a company, and for the
ensuing four days staved off several enem.y
attacks, resting but rarely during that
period. Although practically isolated he
cheered and encouraged his men, Scot and
Southerner alike, getting out of them the
last ounce of energy and resource, but still
maintaining their good spirits. In the dusk
he could see the points of a serious enemy
attack. There was no time to inquire what
to do; nor were there facilities. He was
distinctly ' up against it.' One thing only
remained. The most expressive word that
occurs to one is ' swank ' — bravado if you
will. With only half a dozen men, but with
the noise of a battalion accompanying them,
he sprang on to the parapet, carrying a rifle
and bayonet like the men, and tore across
No Man's Land. The effect could have been
no more instantaneous had a whole division
swept across. The Hun was startled, his
'feelers' turned tail ignominiously, and in-
fected the morale of the greater body be-
hind them. All that could be heard was the
scampering of feet and thereafter silence
reigned. But for that gallant charge of a
few men spurred on by sheer courageous
' swank ' and, ot course, the daring sang-
froid of the platoon commander anything
might have happened."
To his mother he wrote before going into
another big battle: —
" Dear Mother, I am writing you to-day
again as I expect to be in the thick of it at
any time now, and may not manage to get
a letter written. We managed in all the
din of war to get a small Presbyterian ser-
vice arranged. Our padre wears a glen-
garry and service dress instead of the usual
padre's uniform, and is really a very de-
cent sort of chap. The whole sum and sub-
stance of his address was: ' Make good use
of to-day, for you do not know where you
may be to-morrow.' It is a real truth here
us
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
ivucl appeals to every thinker much more in
this place than anywhere that I have
been. All that I hope for is that I have not
to come through what I came through the
last time. One would be almost better to
be dead. I am quite well and enjoying the
good weather, and may say I feel quite
ready to have another 'biff' at the Boche.
The work ivill undoubtedly be hard, but you
must not worry about me; if I am knocked
out altogether you ^yill know that I died
fighting, for I must show the example to
the men of the Royal Scots."
Faith overleaps the confines of our reason,
And if by faith, as in old times was said.
Women received their Dead
Raised up to life; then only tor a season
Our partings are; nur shall we wait in vain,
I'ntil we meet again.
lilow, trumpets, all your exultations blow !
For never shall their aureoled presence lack ;
I see them muster in a gleaming row.
With ever-youthful brows that nobler show ;
We find in our dull road their shining track.
They came transfigured back.
Secure from change in their high-hearted
ways,
Leautiful evermore, and with the rays
Of morn on their white Shields of Expecta-
tion !
PRIVATE QEOBGE BROWN CLARK
vInneeleithen)
Scottish itiFLEe.
1918. July 29 (Monday).
He enlisted in June, 1917, and went to
France in June, 1918. lie fell at lieugheuk,
south-east of Soissons, aged nineteen. He
was employed in Caerlee Mills, and was the
son of James Clark, Glenoriniston. The sec-
ond Battle of the Marne had begun on July
l.j. There was a great German offensive on a
front of fifty miles east and west of Rheims.
July 18 ^va.s the high water mark of the war.
There was a great Allied counter-attack on «
I weiity-seven mile front between Fontenoy
and iielleau. On the 21st the French recap-
tured Chateau Thierry, and the Allies con-
tinuiMl progre.-jH in the valley of the Ardre.
Advances continued north and south of tho
Ourcfj. By the 26th there was a general re-
treat of the Germans on the Marno towards
Epernay. There was a partial capture of
Buzancy by the Scottish Division. On the
following day tlie Germans retreated north
of the Marne, and on the 29th, the day when
Private Clark fell, the German positions
north of Oulchy-Je-Chateau were stormed,
and the French and British captured
Buzancy.
Thou art gone to the grave, and, its mansion
forsaking.
Perhaps thy dear Spirit, alone, lingered
long:
But the mild rays of Paradise beamed on
thy waking.
And the sound which thou heardst was the
seraphim's song.
Because he met with Life, and Death, and
stayed
When long the dying lamp shade flickered
dim.
We come, the darkness passed, to find
The Light we owe to him.
Friendship they gave; the love they hardly
knew ;
All the dear little foolish things of earth.
And all the splendid things they meant to do;
These gave Victory to the world, and Beauty
which is Truth;
And glad, gay, generous Love ; tho uncon-
querable Love of Youth.
PRIVATE GEORGE RAMSAY
(Innebleixhen and Australia)
Australian Imperial Force.
1918. July 30 (Tuesday).
Mrs George Pringle, 18 Tay Street, Edin-
burgh, received intinuition that her brother,
Pte. George Ramsay, Australians, had been
killed in action. Private Ramsay, who was a
native of Innerleithen, joined up in August,
1914, and had been Uirough a lot of heavy
fighting. Ho was in the first Australian Divi-
sion, and claimed to be among the first 50
Australians to land at Gallipoli. A few
months afterwards he was badly wounded
there, and spent some time in hospital in
Malta. He was also wounded in France in
1918, and returned to the front in July. I'ri-
vato Ramsay had been thrice in Scotland on
leave, his last leave being at the beginning of
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
149
July. Previous to emigrating nine years be-
fore, he was a law clerk with the late Mr
Will. Stobie, solicitor, Innerleithen. His
brother, William, was serving with the New
Zealand Forces, and the two brothers met in
France, being their first meeting for nine
years.
" The night before my brother was killed
he was out on patiu' and captured a German
machine gun and killed the gunners. His
battalion went over the top the following
morning, and only 110 came back, my brother
being shot through the head as he went over.
My brother's companion states that my bro-
ther vpas to be recommended for a decoration,
but all the officers were casualties."
THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE MABNE.
At midnight on Sunday, 14th July, 1918,
Paris was awakened by the sound of great
guns. The last phase had begun in this
struggle for her possession. At 4 a.m. the
German infantry crossed over their parapets.
During the day they made a substantial ad-
vance, liut they had not widened their salient.
At Vaus and Fossoy the Americans rolled
back the German wave, clearing the south
bank of the Marne, and taking 6U0 prisoners.
The evening of the 16th July closed in with
ill omens for the enemy. On the 17th July
Ihey persisted in attack with little success.
The time had now come for Foch's counter-
Btroke. It was to take place between Soissons
and Chateau-Thierry. Everything was staked
upon this attack. On the morning of the IStli
July a great fleet of French "mosquito" tanks
came out from the shelter of the Villers-Cot-
terets Forest, and very soon the French and
Americans were through the first German de-
fences.
The secret of Foch lay in the combination
of three things— the weapon of the light tank,
the tactics of surprise, the strategy of com-
plete m.obility. After striking a blow ho
would stay his hand as soon as serious resist-
ance developed, and then attack in another
place. The enemy would therefore be sub-
jected to a constant series of surprises.
By Saturday, 20th July, eight German Divi-
sions had staggered back across the Marne,
under the concentrated fire of the French
batteries. On Sunday, the 21st, the Sixth
and Fifth Armies of the Allies struck in ear-
nest. On that evening the Sixth Army was
in the streets of Chateau-Thierry. Every day
terrible fighting continued within three miles
of Fere ; and this threat to Fere sealed the
doom of the now slender German front on
the Marne. By the 27th of July the Allies
were steadily pressing upon the German re-
treat from the Marne On the 28th July
General Maugin carried the strong point of
Buzancy, where the loth Scottish Division so
distingiiished themselves that by orders of the
French Command a memorial was erected on
the battlefield to commemorate their valour.
On the 29th and 30th July the enemy resist-
ance stiffened, by the addition of reserves
On the morning of Thursday, the 1st of Aug-
ust, Mangin struck with his whole army, and
by nine in the morning had captured the
crest of Hill 205. On 2nd August the whole
Allied line swept forward. On the 5th we
crossed the Aisne just east of Soissons. On
that day American troops entered Fismes,
and on the 6th they gained ground on the
north bank of the Vesle. This second battle
of the Marne restored to the Allies the initi-
ative.
August 1, 1918.
" Ici fleurira toujours le glorieux Chardon
d'Ecosse parmi les Eoses de France."
" Many brave Scots will lie forever round
this monument."
The hand of the reaper
Takes the ears that are hoary.
But the voice of the weeper
Wails manhood in glory.
The Autumn winds rushing
Waft the leaves that are .seaiest,
But our Flower was in flushing
When blighting was nearest.
They flung apart
The doors not all their valour could longer
keep:
They dressed their slender line ;i they breathed
deep.
And with never a foot lagging or head bent.
To the clash and clamour and dust of death
they went.
glorious Lite, who dwellest in earth and
sun,
1 have lived, I praise and adore thee.
A sword swept.
Over the pass the voices one by one
Faded, and the hill slept.
150
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE DAVID T. SMITH
(Stobo)
Royal Scots.
1918. Atjgvst 2 (Friday).
Died ot wounds ou 2nd August, 1918, Pte.
David Telter Smith, aged 31 years. Royal
Scots, beloved husband of Annie Pyper, and
youngest son of William Smith, Newhouses,
Stobo, Peeblesshire.
David Telter Smith was born at Skirling,
on 4th Sept., 1887. He received all his edu-
cation at Stobo School. Entering the employ-
ment of the Caledonian Railway Company he
served at Carmyle, Scotston West, Glasgow
Central, and Greenock. Thereafter he joined
the Caledonian Steam, Packet Co., Ltd.j and
was in their office at Gourock when the war
tailed him to the Army. He joined the Koyal
Scots Pusiliers on 3rd July, 1916, and trans-
ferred to the 9th Royal Scots. He was severe-
ly wounded in Prance, and had to spend
about a year in this country before he was
able to return to the front. Then he was in
active service for eight months until, on 2nd
August, 1918, he was badly hit by machine-
gun fire, and expired on the way to the dress-
ing station. He was buried in the British
Military Cemetery at Senlis.
He was of e.xceptionally gentle and kindly
disposition, a great favourite with all who
knew him. He was married to Miss Ann
Pyper, by whom and a little daughter, Betty,
three years old, he is survived. A beautifully
illuminated address with portrait has been
presented to Mrs Smith by the Steam Packet
Company, paying tribute to her husband's
worth as a man and valour as a soldier. The
deepest sympathy is felt for her and her child
as well as with David's father (Mr William
Smith, Newhouses, Stobo), brother and sisters.
In Honour of
David Telfer Smith,
who gave his life in his country's cause in the
Great European War, tho Directors, Mana-
ger and Staif of the Caledonian Steam Packet
Co., Ltd., desire to place on record the fol-
lowing facts: —
"Mr Smith, who was a clerk in the office at
<Jourock, hiid a successful career in the Com-
pany. After two years' devotion on active
service ho died of gunshot wounds at a Casu-
alty Clearing Station in Prance, on 2nd Aug-
ust, 1918.
The Staff ai'e proud to have been associated
with this gallant man in the peaceful occupa-
tion of former times, and in order that his
devotion may not be forgotten and that his
heroism may remain a shining example to
after years, his name has been inscribed upon
the Company's Roll of Honour.
When the Great War shall have come to an
end and men look back upon the uause for
which Britain fought, it will be seen .ever
more vividly and gratefully that those who
have shown themselves thus loyal unto death
have assuredly not given their lives in vain."
God Save the King.
Not to thine eternal resting-place
Shalt thou retire alone — nor couldst thou
wish
Couch move magnificent. Thou shall lie
down
With patriarchs of the infant world— with
kings
The powerful of the earth— the wise, the good,
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past.
All in one mighty sepulchre
If thou canst but get thither.
There grows the flower of peace.
The Rose that cannot wither.
Thy fortress and thy ease.
Leave then thy foolisli ranges :
For none can thee secure.
But One, who never changes.
Thy God, thy Life, thy Cure.
(Vaughan).
SERGEANT ROBERT OOOHRANE
Military Medal
(Manob. Kibkued and New Zealand)
New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
1918. August 12 (Friday).
Regarding the death of Robert Cochrane :—
his father a shepherd at Ladyurd^ — " When
we came out 14 days after Bob's death I
sent a man over to find iiis brother at the
Entrenching Group. But unfortunately we
could not find him as he was away. In a
few words I will try and tell you how Bob
Cochrane lived and died. On the night of
2nd of August we had just, taken over, and
wore having a bad time with hostile
shelling. I had just loft Sergeant
■("ochrane when a piece of shell hit him in
llio sido. I wont to hiiii ;il <in«'e and ban-
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
151
daged him up, and got Mm off to the Dress-
ing Station at once. He was conscious at
the time and spoke to me. Later on, we
were surprised and sorry to hear that he
had died of wounds. His body was laid to
rest in a quiet village well behind the Lines,
called Fonquevillers, north of All>ert, also
a Cross was erected over his grave. In his
deatli you have lost a brother, I and my
brother officers and our men have lost a
comrade and friend. Bob was one of the
bfst liked and respected men in our Battal-
ion ; and I as his platoon commander knew
him faithful and upright in all his work,
in or out of the trenches. The best com-
pliment I can give him is what was written
in one of my men's letters home, — " We have
lost our Sergeant: I have not knowni him long,
but he was like a father to me." That Mad-
am is the highest honour an N.C.O. or officer
can win,— the respect of his men ! My pen
cannot describe my feelings, but I send to
you all the sympathy of myself and brother
officere of his Company ; hoping this will
help you in your hour of sorrow. Bob has
made his supreme sacrifice. Believe me
Madam, he lived and died a soldier and a
man! September 4, 1918. — He was born at
" Warriors' Best ' in Yarrow, and attained
the Warriors' Rest in France."
Death whining down from Heaven,
Death roaring from the ground.
Death stinking in the nostril.
Death shrill in every sound.
Doubting, we charged and conquered—
Hopeless we struck and stood.
Now, when the fight is ended
We know that it was good.
Life ! give me life until the end.
That at the very top of being.
The battle^pirit shouting in my blood.
Out of the reddest hell of the fight
1 may be snatched and flung.
Into the everlasting lull,
The immortal, incommunicable dream.
got on very well until the Great Push in
August 191S when he was killed on the 11th
of August 1918, on the Somme Front, leaving
" one child and myself to mourn his loss
all our days and we will suffer hardships yet
through 'losing an exoellent; husband and
father."'
The Second Battle of the Marne had ended
on the 4th of August; and the Second and
Decisive Battle of Amiens began on the 8th.
There was a great Franco British Advance
on the Amiens Front fiom Morlancourt to
Montdidier. The general line was advanced
to riessier-Eozanvillers. On the ninth of
August the Second Battle of Lassigny began
The British occupied Morlancourt and reach-
ed lihons. And on the 11th the Allied Ad-
vance between the river Avre and the river
Oise reached the line Armancourt-TUloy-
Oamvronne. This was the day that Private
Awburn fell.
Rest on your battlefields, ye Brave,
Let the pines murmur o'er your grave,
Your dirge be in the moaning wave.
We call you back no more.
Oh, there was mourning when ye fell.
In your own vales a deep^toned knell,
An agony, a wild farewell .—
But tliat hath long been o'er.
Mourn not for me too sadly; I have been
For mouths of an exalted life, a king;
Peer for these months of those whose graves
grow green
Where'er the borders of our empire fling
Their mighty arms.
What though my harp and voil be
Both hung upon the willow' tree?
What though my bed be now my grave.
And for my house I darkness have?
What though my healthful days are fled.
And I lie numbered with the Dead?
fet I have hope, by Thy great power
To spring, though now a withered flower.
(Herrick.)
PRIVATE ROBERT J. AWBXJRN
(Eddleston)
1918. August 11 (Sunday).
He went out to France first of all in 1916
and was wounded in the Battle of Arras
and returned to Britain until the Autumn
of 1917 when he went back to France. He
PRIVATE WILLLAM SMART
( Ikx^eleithen)
Scots Guards.
1918. August 4 (Sunday).
Mrs Smart, Buccleuch Street, Innerleithen,
received notice that her son. Private William
Smart, Scots Guards, had died a prisoner of
war at Cassell, Germany. Pte. Smart, who
152
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
had seen service in South Africa, was one of
the original Expeditionary Force in 1914, and
was taken prisoner in November of that yeai .
He was previously employed with the N.B.R.
at Armadale. A brother was killed in Aug-
ust, 1917, and three brothers were serving.
" I am sorry I have not a photo of my son,
William, but enclose a photo of his funeral,
which was sent me by his companion in
camp, a Belgian prisoner. He was 3 years
and nine months a prisoner. He weis first in
Camp Gottingen, where he had great hard-
ships, afterwards being transferred to Camp
Cassell, where he was more kindly treated.
He died after three days illness in hospital
on August 4th, 1918."
I pray for peace; yet peace is but a prayer.
How many wars have been in my brief years.
All races and all faiths, both hemispheres.
My eyes have seen embattled everywhere
The wide earth through : yet I do not despair
Of peace, that slowly through far ages nears.
Though not to me the golden morn appears.
My taith is perfect in times issue fair.
The ancient groves have mourned our sons,
for whom no more
The sisterly kisses of life, the loved
embraces.
Eemember the love of them who came not
home from the war.
The fatherly tears and the veiled faces.
Now henceforth their shrine is builded, high
and vast.
Always drawing noble hearts to noble deeds.
In the toil of glory to be, and the tale of
glory past.
PRIVATE JAMES A. C. MACPHERSON
(Il<NBELEITHEN)
Royal Scots.
1918. August 11 (Sundat).
Hamish (James) Macpherson was employed
with Messrs Harrison & Co., Chambers Street,
lidinburgh. Wholesale Tweed Warehousemen.
He joined the Ninth Royal Scots on the
12th August, 1914, and was thus one of
those brave Tweeddale men who counted it
honour to fight for tlio Motherland in the
very ))eginninfi. Me went out to France
with his battalion in February 1915, and
was wounded in July 191.5. After a few weeks
in Hospital ho rejoined his regiment and
was with tliem until he received his seuond
wounds at Ai ras, in April 1917. Being badlj
wounded in bath legs he was sent back to
Britain. On the 6th of March 191S he re-
turned to France, and at the Base was trans-
ferred to the sixth Royal Scots. He was
killed on a Sunday morning, 11th August,
1918, at Parvilleis near Eoye. He was a
fine lad. His principal recreation was foot-
ball. He was engaged to lie married, and
had he been spared would have married at
Christmas 1918. His twenty-fourth liirthday
was on the 31st July, a few days before he
fell.
Lest the young soldiers be stiange in Heaven,
Grod bids the old soldier they all adored
Come to Him and wait for them, clean, and
new-shriven,
A happy doorkeeper in the House of the
Lord.
Lest it abasli them, the strange new
splendour.
Lest it afiright them,, the new robes clean ;
Here's an old face, now, long-tiied, and
tender,
A word and a hand-clasp as they troop in.
He died, as soldiers die, amid the strife,
IMindful of Scotland in his latest prayer :
God, of His love, would have so fair a life
Crowned with a death as fair.
There's a Soul in the Eternal,
Standing stiff liefo'e the King.
There's a little British maiden sorrowing.
There's a proud and tearless woman.
Seeing pictures in the fire,
Tliere's an ended Scottish Idyll, a broken
lyre.
PRIVATE DAVID F. BIQGAR
(Walkehburn)
KoYAi, Scots.
1918. August 12 (Monday).
David Biggar was wounded on the 11th
.\ugust, 1918, and died on 12th August, 1918,
and was buried at Ci-ovy, France. He joined
up in the .'>/6th Royal Scots in 1916, and was
througli all the engagements with the Lewis
guns up till August 31, 1918. He wa« a fish
and potato merchant at Waikerburn, and i-^
survived by a wife and one girl. fie woni
to the Old Town School, Galashiels.
The 12th of August saw the close of tiiu
PiiiVATK Andrew R. Gedpes,
AlANOIt AND T.YNE.
Second-I.ietttenant Robert Ftotiardson,
Manor.
Second-Lxetjtrnant Henry Kawson Taggart,
Lyne and Megget,
•rTVA'I'E fiEORGE Br.OWN (V.ARK.
Innerleithen.
1'ki\aiil IJi-.uuul: IvAMSAV,
Innerlefthkn axd Australia,
Sergeant Koiseut Cochrane, jM.IM.
MANOK, KlRKUKU, AND NeW ZEALAND.
I'liivAii; IJavii) 'V. Smii'ii,
HroBo.
I'IMVATE UoHl'-.lfl' J. AWUUUN,
l'',l)DI,ESTON.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
153
liattle of Amiens, and the German staff begin-
ning to lose lieart. On the 11th, a general
German retreat from the Eiver Ancre began.
They evacuated Beaumont-Hamel and sever-
al other villages. The French completed the
capture of Lassigny Massif by the capture of
Alliche farm. This ended the second battle
of Lassignx .
" Eest with your still and solemn frame;
The hills keep record of your name.
And never can a touch of shame
Darken the buried brow.
But we on changeful days are cast,
When bright names from their place fall
fast.
And ye tliat with your glory passed,
We cannot mourn you now."
The night-dew that falls, though in silence it
weeps.
Shall brighten with \erdure the grave where
he sleeps ;
And the tear that we shed, though in secret
it rolls,
Shall long keep his memory green in our
souls.
PRIVATE WILLIAM HOGa
(Eddleston)
King's Own Scottish Boedeeees.
1918. August 18.
Bailed in action on 18th August, 1918,
24892, Private Wm. Hogg, K.O.S.B., beloved
son of Henry Hogg, Harehope, Eddleston,
Peeblesshire.
Private William Hogg joined up in the 6th
E.O.S.B. in June, 1916, and went to France
on October 27, 1916. He took part in the
battle of Vimy Eidge on 9th April, 1917, and
shared in other important operations during
1917-1918. He was home on leave in Novem-
ber, 1917, and returned to duty on December
4, 1917. On the 18th day of August, while ad-
vancing with his comrades to the capture of
Meteren he was struck by an enemy bullet in
the head, death being instantaneous. Mem-
bers of the Eegimental Band carried baclj
his body, and he was buried in a military
ceaietery, an Austj-alian chaplain conducting
the burial service.
E. G. McConnochie, C.F., in a letter to his
parents, at the request of the Commanding
Oflicer, wrote as follows : —
" We can imagine the grief of your home
at the loss of your only son, and only trust
that you will be enabled to bear the loss
with the same bravery that Private Hogg
always showed when anything difficult and
perilous was required of him. We, the
officers and men of the 6th K.O.S.B., otter
you our deepest sympathy, mourning our-
selves the loss of a gallant friend and com-
rade."
Private Hogg was 28 years of age when he
gave his life for his country and freedom,
and was the only son (and child) of Mr and
Mrs Henry Hogg, Harehope, Eddleston. Pre-
vious to joining up, he was his father's part-
ner in the farm of Harehope, and was very
highly esteemed and beloved by a large circle
of friends.
By all the glories of the day
And the cool evening's benison ;
By the last sunset touch that lay
Upon the hills when day was done ;
By beauty lavishly outpoured.
And blessings carelessly received.
By all the days that I have lived,
Make me a soldier. Lord.
All that lite contains of torture, toil and
treason.
Shame, dishonour, death, to him were but
a name;
Here, a boy, he dwelt through all the singing
season.
And ere the day of sorrow departed as he
came.
Boys in the playground, shouting, running
and falling,
Ean they once the gallant and dead;
Always there now, shall the fallen in battle
be calling.
Your lives by their lives be led
154
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
DRIVER STEWART C. HOWARD
(Newlands)
R.A.S.C.; M.T.
1918, AvGUST 22. (Thursday.)
Stewart Cliouet Howard was educated at
Edinburgh Academy, leaving school to en-
list, when niueteeu years of age. He joined
the E.F.A. as gunner at Maryhill Barracks
Glasgow, April 18, 1916. His health breaking
down, lie was discharged, July 8, 1916.
After repeated attempts to reinlist, he was
passed for Home Service. He joined thie
M.T.A.S.C., going to Beckenham, Kent, July
1(), 1917, thence to Salisbury Plain, leaving
for France, September 17, 1917. His health
failing he was in hospital at Calais,
from the end of January 1918,
until March 20, 1918. He was then
attached to A.S.B.A.C. as Driver. When
taking a gun to the battle fi-ont, he was
killed, August 22, 1918, near Arras, France.
He was buried at WaiUy Orchard Cemetery.
The following is an extract from a paper
published at the time :
The writer of the letter from which we
gave an extract headed " Laughter and
Tears, ' in our is.«tie of 24th nlto., has, we
regret to learn since, been killed in action.
We are now permitted to reveal his ident-
ity. He was Driver S. C. Howard, M.T.,
A.S.C., attached to Siege battery, son of Mr
William C. Howard of 23 Mayfield Gardens,
Edinburgh, and 8 Commercial Street, Leith.
He was 21 yeais of age and was educated
at Edinburgh Academy, being for three years
in the school O.T.C. On leaving school he
en.dleavoured to qualify (for a commission
througli the ranks, and Ijcing placed in a
somewhat low category owing to constitu-
tional lameness, joined the E.F.A. as gunner.
His health, however, broke down in train-
ing, and he was eventually dischaiiged from
the Army. After a rest, he again tried to
get into the service in .some capacity, and
after repeated disappointments, was at last,
accepted as a driver in the M.T., A.S.C.,
attached to a howitzer siege battery ; and
sent to the front within a few weeks of
his joining up again. He came scathless
through the German offensive, and conse-
quent retiral in the early Spring, after
many exciting experiences and escapes, and
had been at it with his battery ovei' since.
Sufpplemjeutdug the official ' killed in
action ' intimation, his CO. in a most sym-
pathetic letter to his father, writes : —
" His death wasi instantaneous, caused
through an enemy bomb whilst perform-
ing a most important duty during recent
successful operations. His loss to the
Column is greatly felt by one and all
of his fellow comrades who were greatly
attached to him owing to his gentle dis-
position and exceedingly gx)od nature.
He had an obsessing contempt for slack-
ers, and his oft expressed regret was hi.s
physical unfitness for a line regiment. He
however after all worked his way by a de-
vious route into the thick of the fight
and died on the road to victory cheer-
fully doing his bit."
In Memoriam.
In loving and cherished memory of Stewart
Chouet Howard, aged 21 years, M.T.A.S.C.,
attached 253 H.B.A.C., killed in action neai-
Arras, France, August 22, 1918, buried in
Wailly Orchard Cemetery.
''The golden evening Inightens in the west;
Soon, .soon to faithful warriors comes their
rest ;
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest."
—23 Mayfield Gardens, Edinbingh.
Extract referred to :—
" A very sad thing happened last week.
I mentioned in a former letter that I had
lieard the ' Forget-me-not ' Intermezzo in
a cafe hei-e. Well, the woman who played
it was killed by a filthy German shell the
inorning after I posted the lette''. She was
a very nice woman, and her family were
very nice as well. ' Gerry ' began to shell
the neighbourliood early in the morning,
and she went to the front door to see
where they were dropping. She had just
got the door open when a shell lande<l in
the road, and she got it pretty bad — died
at once. The funeral 'pi-ocession pa.ssed
by our place. It was headed by three
choir boys in white robes, bearing a cross
and two candles in sticks, llehind them
came several ladies, bearing huge wreaths
and flower ero«ses, These were followed
by the priest, who chanted the service in
Latin, and liehind him was the coffin car-
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
155
lied on two cross meaibers, one at each end,
so that there was a bearer at ea^h. corner.
A great flock of people, headea by the
chief mourners, fallowed behind the coffin.
Everyone was Deautifully dressed, and it
was quite an impressive sight. The morn-
ing it happened the younger son of Mme.
told me in the most pathetic French
— ' M}' mamma was finished tliis morning ;
tJie Hun was bombarding ; it is always tte
same thing: its just the war.'
One thing that strikes me very much
about the country people here is their
manners. They are all very polite, so
polite in fact that I do not care to think
of the coarseness of the majority of people
in Blighty. As to seeing and feeling the
war, why there is no comparison. Outside
London, nobody realises there is a war
on. You can't think what the poor people
here have to suffer, having all their homes
and belongings smashed up."
They have: taken their youth land mirth
away from the study and playing-ground
To a new school in an alien land beneath
an alien sky :
Out in the smoke and loar of tlie light their
lessons and games are found,
And they who were learning how to live
are leavning how to die.
And there will be Ghosts in the old school,
brave Ghosts with laughing eyes
On the field with a ghostly cricket-bat, by
the stream with a ghostly rod ;
They will touch the hearts of the living
with a flame that sanctifies,
A flame that they took with strong young
hands from the altar-fires of God.
Vigil of silence, love and death, vigil for
you my son and my soldier.
As onward silently stars aloft, eastward
new ones upward stole :
A'igil final for you, brave boy, (I could not
save you, swift as your death)
I faithfully loved you, and cared for you
living, I think we shall surely meet again.
Many a tie through iteration sweet,
Strove to retain their fatal feet :
And yet the Enduring Half they chose.
Whose choice decides a man's life, — slave
or king?
The Invisible Things of God before the Seen
and Known.
LIEUT.-COL. W. L. BBODIE, V.O., M.C.
( Beoughton)
Highland Light Infantbt.
1918. August 23.
Lieut.-Colonel W. L. Brodie, V.C, M.C,
Highland Light Infantry, who was killed in
action on August 23, 1918, while in command
of a regular battalion of the regiment, was
the second son of Mr John Wilson Brodie,
C.A., 23 Belgrave Crescent, Edinburgh, and
for a time at Quarter, Broughton. He was
born in 1884 and joined the 2nd Battalion in
19M, being promoted Captain on 10th Septem-
ber, 1914. He went abroad with his battalion
in the original Expeditionary Force. Me
gained the second award of the V.C. granted
to the I'egiment in the present war, the ex-
ploit being imrrated in the " London Gaz-
ette " of 12tli December, 1914.
" His Majesty the King has been graci-
ously pleased to approve of the grant of
the Victoria Cross to Lieut. Walter Lorrain
Brodie, 2nd Battalion, the Highland Light
Infantry, tor conspicaous bravery whilst
serving with the Expeditionary Force, as
set forth below : —
' For conspicuous gallantry near Becel-
aire on the 11th November in clearing the
enemy out of a portion of our trenches
which they had succeeded in occupying.
Heading the chaige, lie bayonetted several
of the enemy, and thereby relieved a dang-
erous situation. As a result of Lieut.
Brodic's promptitude, eighty of the enemy
were killed and fifty-one taken prisoners.' "
I. C. H., who had been closely associated
with him in the last proud months when ho
commanded his own battalion and was by his
side when he fell, writes : —
" General Wilcox, in addressing one of
tlie battalions of the Highland Light In-
fantry, once said—' There is no position
which the Highland Light Infantry cannot
capture.' "
These words were recalled to the mind of
the writer of " The First Seven Divisions,"
when he tells of the time when Lieut. Brodie
won the V.C, and to those of us who love
the regiment, the words of General Wilcox
bear no exaggeration. Winning the V.C. but
156
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
proved these words, and was it not for the
battalion it was won?
To command his own battalion was to
Lieut. Brodie, V.C., the great ambition, and
it was, when leading his own, as Colonel, to
the capture ot a position, which, despite all
difficulties, was captured, that he paid the
sacrifice.
Those who had the great honour of serving
under him in the !)attalion at the time ot
his command unconsciously found themselves
thrilled with the same love and pride ot
regiment. All became enthusiastic in his
enthusiasm.
One of his favourite expressions was ''A
good show," and for him that was the best
compliment. It meant that things were go-
ing as they should in the Highland Light In-
fantry—without hitch or flaw.
One recalls his eager face and the proud
look of gladness in his eyes as he watched the
pipes and drums— the best in France— and
thought of the future and the days when once
again the Jocks would be back again in the
tartans and the clean white jacket.
The small man and the mean apes at the
cosmopolitan, and in pretending to love the
whole world loves nothing but himself; the
truly great man has at heart the love of a
great cause, and W. L. Brodie was great in
the love of his battalion.
He was great also in his own life and in
the nobility of soul, "which feels a stain like
a wound."
His conception of life, love and valour was
of the fine old-fashioned lofty type enshrined
iu the phrase, '' Noblesse oblige."
And noblesse oblige simply meant for him
the spirit which inspires a gentleman and
an oiUcer of the Highland Light Infantry.
Tlic " Edinburgh Academy Chronicle "
thus outlines his careej : —
•• Lorrain Brodie, born in 1884', entered
(lie preparutory school at the age of eight
yeai's and icinained at the Academy until
1899. He subsequently went to Sandhurst,
out of which he passed in March, 1904, and
as Second Lieutenant joined the 2nd Bat-
talion of the Highland Light Inlantry. Hc
was qua;-tered at Jersey, al Edinburgh
Castle, and at Fort George, and afterwards
the regiment ino\ed to Ireland, vehere ho
served from I'JOO t(j 1913, livst at Cork and
then at Mullingar. He was at Alder shot
when war broke out. He quickly showed
that he possessed military abilities of no
mean order. In pre-war days promotion
iu the regiment was slow, and it was still
as Lieutenant in charge of the Machine Gun
Detachment, that, with over ten years' ser-
vice, he embarked for France in August,
1914. Active service brought out the best
qualities of such a man. Always cheerful,
and always thoughtful for the men under
him, his machine gunners soon proved well
worth all the labour he had expended on
them, and his delight was great when
Driver Scott of the Machine Gun Detach-
ment received a French decoration for gal-
lantry during the battle of the Marne.
Lorrain was promoted Captain in Septem-
ber, 1914, and it wa3 in the following Nov-
ember that, for conspicuous gallantry in
clearing the enemy out ot a portion of the
British trenches, he won the coveted V.C.
He subsequently saw much hard fighting
as Company Commander with his old regi-
ment during 1915, particularly round Eich-
bourg, Givenchy and Festubert. Later he
was attached for- intelligence duty to the
Staff, first of Sir Hubert Gough, and after-
wards of Sir Henry Eawlinson, and in May,
1916, he was appointed Brigade-Major of the
63rd Infantry Brigade. He held this pos-
ition for eighteen months, and took an
active part in the battles of the Somme and
the Ancre in 1916, and of Arras and other
engagements in 1917, and was awarded the
Military Cross in January, 1917, and pro-
moted Brevet-Major at the beginning of
1918. During all this time he was never
wounded, and it almost seemed as if he bore
a charmed life, and would be spared to
share in the great home-coming at the close
of the war. Although promotion on the
Staff was open to him, had he so desired,
he was always more attracted by regiment-
al duty, and had long wished to command
a battalion of his legiment. As the oppor-
tunity for this seemed rather remote, at
the beginning of 1918 he accepted command
of a battalion of the Liverpool Scottish,
hut in April last, to his own great joy, he
was transferred to the command of his old
regiment. It was in this position that he
continued at the front, and on 23rd August,
loading a considerable attack, and iu tho
I'liiNia; \l, riF I'lMVATE Wll;l,lAM S.MAKT, liNi\ Jil!Ll:iTilEi\.
Private James A. C. Macthekson,
s Inneeleitheiv-.
Pkivate David F. BKiGAi:
Walker lii'KN.
J'lil VATl; W II.I.IA.M HuCJG,
E|iUL,K«TUN.
LiiiuT.-'!-'oL. W. L. Bi.'oijjK. \'A'.. MX-
LiKOUtlUTUN.
I»l.l\ IK Sri \\ A/IT < . I liiW Ai
N I, W J, A MIS.
SiiciiMi-l.iKi'T. Ai.rinii .) . Mvwvm.i- Stuaut,
TnAijuMi'-
C'ai'T. Kennktu Mackenziv;,
IJoLrm.NToN.
L;VNc:e-C()kpoj!Al Tom 8c(jtt,
DiUJMKLZlKK ANJJ AUSTRALIA.
Pkivate Geukge IIunnam,
Innerleithen.
LCE-C'PL. .\l.BEI,T KlKUSTOK LAUUIE, M.M..
Stobo and Australia.
i;^
( '-iiti'iiK'AL A. N. DlNCAN,
JJiiUL tiHTu^' ANU Canada.
I'lMNATE IvOlJIlKT UkANT,
AVAJ,KJ';R!:ilH{N.
I'lMVA'ri-: Am.xaniii II I'kdi.n.
Waxkwiiji UN.
'ui\ \-ih; ItiiKiJcr I '. lNtii,is,
WALKEItBURN,
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
157
front line of liis battalion, he was killed
instantaneously. He had the strong feat-
ures, the clear eye, and the erect carriage
of the true man of action. His brother-
officers— alas, how many of them have fallen
— ha\'e testified to his strength of char-
acter, his love of honesty and fair play and
clean mirth, his dislike and contempt for
all shams, his love and devotion to his reg-
iment, his cheery kindly disposition, and
his keen appreciation of humour. These
qualities made him at all times a delight-
ful companion with an entire absence of
' side,' and a modest bearing in all com-
panies. It is difficult to know what to say
over the loss of one so endowed and so fit
to render invaluable service in the coming
years of peace."
Those who knew him, those who fought side
by side, could say: —
" 'Tis human fortune's happiest height to be
A spirit melodious, lucid, poised and
whole ;
Second in order of felicity,
I hold it to have walked with such a
soul."
Another Academy boy, a class-fellow of
Lorrain's father, wrote: —
■' So from the hearth the children flee.
By that Almighty hand
Austerely led; so one by sea
Goes forth, and one by laud.
And as the fervent smith of yore
Beat out the glowing blade.
Nor wielded in the front of war
The weapons that he made,
But in the tow-er at home still plied his
ringing trade.
So like a sword the son shall roam,
On nobler missions sent;
And as the smith remained at home.
In peaceful turret pent.
So sits the while at home the mother well
content."
We stand with reverent faces,
And our merriment give o'er.
As we drink the toa&t to the Unseen Host
Who liave fought and gone before.
It is only a passing moment
In the midst of the feast and song
But it grips the breath, as the wing of death
In a vision sweeps along.
. . . When music on bright gytheringa
lays
Its tender spell and joy is uppermost.
Be mindful of the men they were, and raise
Your glasses to them in one silent toast.
Drink to them — amorous of dear earth as
well.
They asked not tribute lovelier than this —
And in the wine that ripened where they fell.
Oh, frame your lips as though it were a
kiss.
SEOOND-LIEUT. ALFRED J. MAXWELL
STUART
(TaiQUAIE)
Coldstream Guards.
1918. August 24 (Saturday).
Second-Lieutenant Alfred J. Maxwell
Stuart, born in London on March 26, 1898,
was the sixth son of Mr and Mis G. Max-
well Stuart. He was educated at Stoney-
hurst College. On attaining the requisite
age he at once joined the Officers' Training
Corps. In due course he was gazetted 2nd
Lieutenant in the Special Heserve of Officers
Coldstream Guards, July 18, 1917. After
completing his training, he was seat out to
France in February, 1918, and was attached
to the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.
From tlje day he entered the %hiting line he
displayed absolute disregard of danger. Dur-
ing the Guards' advance on August 21, he
leceived his fatal wounds. Earlier in the
day Lieut. A. Maxwell Stuart was slightly
wounded, but continued to lead and encour-
age his men, until he fell with multiple
gunshot wounds, from which he died in the
hospital clearing station tihreo days later,
24t]i August. The following are exitraots
from letters received from his CO. and
biother officers.
" He appeared altogether regardless of
danger. On the 21st he showed himself
absolutely fearless and set them (his men)
a magnificent example. They all say they
would have followed him anywhere he
was so cool and brave."
158
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Agaiu —
■■ He did splendidly and I don't think
lie knew what fear meant, etc. He walked
about trying to get in touch with the next
company, taking no notice of shells and
bullets."
Lieut. A. Maxwell Stuart was buried in
the Military Cemetery at Doulens.
"I may say that the x>atriotism of my
family stands out somewhat conspicuously,
seeing that of my eleven children, four sons
have been killed, two are at present ser-
ving (the seventh still being at school), and
of my four daughters, three ihave served
as nurses and one is in religion. — I am,
yours faithfully,
Edmund Maxwell Stu.jri
When these men must go alone
"Without Absolution,
When their sins feel heavy as lead,
Thou thyself wilt lift the liead;
Thou, High Priest, wilt wihisper low,
" Te Absolve!" ere they go.
When there is no sacrifice.
Bread and wine for Thy disguise;
Come Thou in the spirit then,
As at Agincourt our men,
With desire, a blade of grass
Served as Eucharist and Mass.
Our iitlle ijQur, how soun it dies.
How short a time to tell our beads;
To chant our feeble Litanies,
To think sweet thoughts, to do good deeds.
Tlie altar-lights grow pale and dim,
The bells hang silent in the tower,
So passes with the dying hymn,
Our little liour.
> • • «
Thoy sihall unl grow oUl. ;i,s we that arc left
grow old ;
Age shall not we^iiy thciii. nor the yearB
condemn ;
At the going down of tlic nun and in fho
morning.
We will rouiciiilK'r llicni.
GAPT. KENNETH MACKENZIE
(Dolphinton)
9th Eoyal Scots (attached 7th).
1918. August 27 (Tuesday).
Previously reported missiag, now reported
killed in action, ou L'Tth August, Kenneth
Mackenzie, of Dolphinton, Captain, The
Eoyal Scots, Writer to the Signet, Edin-
burgh, and J. P. for the County of Lanark-
shire.
Gazetted October 1914; killed August 27,
1918, between Henind and Fontaine les
Croiselles.
Capt. Kenneth Mackenzie, Koyal Scots, was
the owner of the property of Dolphinton,
Lanarkshire and Peeblesshire, and the only
surviving son of the late John Ord Macken-
zie of Dolphinton. Captain Mackenzie was
born in 1882, and was educated at Cargilfield
and Pettes College, Edinburgh, and at Balliol
College, Oxford. He gradruited E.A., and,
after qualifying for the legal profession, was
admitted a member of the Society of Writers
to the Signet in 1909, and in 1910 became a
partner in the firm of Messrs Wood & Mac-
kenzie, W.S., Edinburgh. Captain Mackenzie
took an active interest in the business of his
cO|.'nty and in all matters connected with his
proyerty and neighbourhood. In October.
1911, he obtained a commission in the Royal
Scots, and was actively engaged in service in
the United Kingdom until he went to the
front. In December, 1914, he rescued from
drowning in Leith Docks a, corporal in the
Eoyal Scots, and was awarded the Royal
Humane Society's Medal. He married in
1910 Eudoi'a, oldest daughter of the lute Mon-
crief Horsburgh, C.A., and is survived by his
wife, three sons, and a daughter.
The fighting man shall from the sun
Take warmth, and life from the glowing
earth :
Speed with the lighl-foot winds to run.
And with llie trees to newer birth:
And find, when fighting shall be done.
Great rest, and lullncsu after dearth.
He has outsoared the shadow of our night:
Envy and cahrnny and hate and pain.
And tJiat unrest which men miscall dolighl
Can touch him not and torture not again:
From the contagion of the world's slow stain
He is secure, and now can never mourn
A heart grown cold, a head grown grey in
vain :
Nor, when the Si)irit's self has ceased to
burn,
With spai'klrss nslx-s load iiti iinlanipntcd urn.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
159
PRIVATE GEORGE HUNNAM
(Innerleithen)
2nd SeAFORTH HlGHI.ANDEES.
1918. August 31 (Satttrdat).
Killed in action on 31st August, Private
George IJunnani, Seiaforth Jiigli landers,
youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs Hun-
nani. Whin Cottage. Cockenzie, aged 25 year.5.
I'te. Hunnani was killed in action on Slst
August. He was going forward with his
platoon, which was making a small night
attack against some machine guns, when he
got hit by a bullet and was killed immedi-
ately. I have made inquiries as to where
he was hit, but cannot find out, but I will
write to you again, and try to give you full
details about it. He had not been with us
very long, but ho has shown himself to be
a fine soldier, very keen and intelligent,
and he is a great loss to my platoon and
also to the company. He was ou my Lewis
gun team, and he was an excellent gunner,
and it will be hard to replace him.
Please accept the sincere sympathy of my-
self and the men of the platoon.— Yours
truly,
J. E. Stiblino.
Pte. G. Hunnam. 2ud Seaforth High-
landers, was killed in action on the 31st of
August, 1918. The battalion was in the line
at the time, taking part in a successful ad-
vance. During a night attack on a wood in
which there was a German machine gun
post, your son was hit, death being instan-
taneous. He was buried reverently by his
comrades. The exact location of his grave
hus not yet reached us. When it does I
will write you again. The engagement took
place in front of Eemy (about eleven miles
from Arras).
We can well understand how great a blow
this news will be to you. It may comfort
you a little to know that your son was held
in the highest regard by everyone here. His
officers considered him a splendid soldier,
and he was beloved by his comrades, who
mourn his death sincerely. Officers and
men join in sending you deepest sympathy
in your irreparable loss. It is our prayer
that the God of all comfort will be with
you and yours as you lament a good soldier
faithful unto deatn, who has heard the
Master's " Well done." — Believe me, yours
very faithfully,
J. Ghat, C.F.
'■ It will be some consolation to you to
know that he was killed instantaneously,
and I trust your sorrow will be mingled
with pride in the knowledge that he died
most gallantly for his country, fighting for
a no))le cause."
(Father and mother they put aside, and the
nearer love also —
•Vn hundred thousand men who died, whose
graves shall no man know).
It was fair and level ground.
About a carven stone ;
And a stark sword brooding on the bosom of
the cross.
Where high and low are one;
And there was grass, and the living trees.
And the flowers of the spring.
And there lay gentlemen from out of all the
seas.
That ever called him King.
('Twixt Nieuport sands, and the eastward
lands, where the four red rivers spring.
Five hundred thousand gentlemen of those
that served the King).
All that they had they gave — they gave —
In sure and single faith.
There can no knowledge reach their grave.
To make them grudge their death.
Save only if they understood
That after all was done.
We they redeemed, denied their blood.
And mocked the gains it won.
noble youth that held our honour in keep-
ing.
And bore it sacred through the battle flame.
How shall we give full ineasure of acclaim
To thy sharp labour, thy immortal reaping?
For thoTigh we sowed with doubtful hands,
half sleeping.
Thou in thy vivid pride has saved a nation,
And helped to save with .shouts and exulta-
tion.
With drums and trumpets, with flags flash-
ing and leaping.
160
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
LANCE-CORPORAL TOM SCOTT
(Dbumelzier axd Australia)
Australian Imperiax Force.
1918. August 31 (Saturdat).
He fought at Messines, Passcliendaele,
Hingarde Wood (wounded), and Clery Eidge,
where he fell.
Information was received by the relatives
of lance-Corporal Tom Scott, Australian
Imperial Force, that he iliad been killed in
action in France, on the 31st August. Lance-
Corporal Scott, though, a native of Gala-
shiels, had a close family connection with
Drumelzier village, and spent part of his sick
leave tliere, at the house of his cousin, Mr
Wm. Blackstock. Emigrating fom Galashiels,
when quite a boy, with his parents some
twenty years ago, to New South Wales, he
was engaged, when war broke out, in farm-
ing in that colony. He joined up in October,
1916, and came over to thi<5 country in Feb-
ruary, 1917, when, after the necessary train-
ing, he was drafted to France in the follow-
ing May, where he came through a good deal
of hard fighting. He was v.ounded in Octo-
ber, 1917, and was gassed in the beginning of
the summer of 1918, and, as already stated,
he paid a second visit to his friends at
Drumelzier during his .sick leave. After re-
covering, he rettirned to France in August,
and on the la.st day of that month he fell
in a desperate action with the enemy, being
shot through the heart. Lance-Co rporal Scott
was married, and leaves a widow and one
little girl, besides a widowed mother and
other relatives, in far-off .A-Ustralia, to mourn
his loss. He was a fine type of the " Colon-
ial," being of stalwart and muscular bxiild,
and formed one more of those loyal son.s of
the Empire who answered the call of the
Mother Country.
-Vnd who, amidst the storm and stress of war.
Crossed in Iheir thonsimds o'er tlm ocean
wide ;
Left home and kindred for a land afar.
To fight with us so nobly side by side.
Who in that fair but wai-swept land of
France,
'Mid shiapnol's shriek and deadly bnllot's
" piny:."
With martial step woc toroinost to ndvanco.
To fight, to fall, Uiv Cminlry !ind foi-
King!
LANCE-CORPORAL ALBERT KINGSTON
LAURIE
Military Medal
(Stobo and Australia)
1918. August 31 (Saturday).
He enlisted in March. 1915. and was wound-
ed three times. He gained the Military
Medal at Biillecourt for conspicuous bravery
in the field in October, 1916. He fell at
Mont St Quentin on the 31st August, 1918,
aged twenty-four years. He was the eldest
son of J. N. Laurie, "Stobo," Eawdon Vale,
New South Wales, and great-grandson of
Joseph Laurie, Stobo, Peeblesshire, Scotland.
He and his two companions volunteered to
geit a gun which was giving them great
trouble. They managed to silence it, but all
the three gallant boys were killed in their
enterprise. He gained the Military Medal
for a very daring and enterprising act. He
and a fellow scout captured a German Ob-
servaition post, and after putting the Ger-
mans out of action, one seized the telephone
instrument and gave the order in German
to open fire on a certain trench, saying that
the Australians had captured it. The Germaii
artillery thereuiK)n opened a heavy fire on
their own crowded trench and caused heavy
losses to their own men. Private Laurie
was offered a commission on several oc-
casions, )3ut refused to accept it, saying that
he would rather remain a " Digger.'*
Are you sleeping, sleeping soundly.
Comrade, over there.
Where the grasses wave above you
In the summer air;
Where we laid you as we found you.
With the ravaged land around you.
Grim and bare?
Can you hear the bugle blowing
Faint and far away;
Can you hear the loud drums throbbing.
Hear the trumpets bray.
Hear the tribute that we render
To the souls tliat won the splendour
Of the dayv
'Tis the day we fought and toiled for.
The day for which you died.
Underneath the flag of freedom.
The banner of our pride.
Which to-day is proudly flying
O'er the fallen victors lying
Side by side.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
161
Under the wide and starry sky
Dig the grave and let me lie;
Glad did I live, and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse that you "grave for me—
" Here he lies where he longed to be;
Home is the sailor, home from the sea.
And the hunter home from the hill."
COBFORAL A. N. DUNCAN
(Bboxjghton and Canada)
Canadians.
1918. September 2 (Monday).
I^anoe-C'orporal Aithur Norman Duncan,
younger son of David Dunoaa, Ythanbank,
March Street, Peebles, formerly at Rachan
Stables, and educated at Broughton, emi-
grated from Peebles to Canada six years ago,
being then employed with Lowe, Donald &
Co. Before joining up he was employed in
the Bank of Eamilton at Moose Jaw. Private
Duncan, who enlisted at the ouitbieak of
war, was among the first of the Colonials
to arrive in this country for training, there-
after he proceeded to Prance for ithree years,
during which time he had been invalided
home on two occasions. His father received
the following letter, dated October 26, 1918 :—
" The Commanding Officer wishes me to
c»nvey to you his sincere sympathy on the
loss of your son, Lance-Coi poral A. N.
Duncan, wiho was killed in action by en-
emy shell fire on September 2, 1918; death
being instantaneous. He was a good soldier
and showed splendid devotion to duty while
serving with the battalion. His loss is
keenly felt by all ranks of his company,
and especially by his platoon comrades,
with whom he was deservedly most popular.
" My Dear Friends, — No doubt you will
have heard of your son being killed on the
morning of September 2nd. We all miss
him ihere, because he was always willing to
do a good turn to anybody and for a cheer-
ful lad you couldn'rfc wish for one better.
I thought it was my duty to write to you
and explain how he died. He was killed
instantly by a shell, and I can assure you
he didn't sufier any. We had qxiite a few
killed that morning, and everyone was
picked up and carried back behind our
lines and got a good burial. Teil Mrs Dun-
can, Arthur did not say a word after he
was hit. He was killed with a big shell. I
was very near Arthur when he was hit on
the 2nd September; we were going over the
top on the morning when we made the
big advance. Anthur had gone about 1,000
yards before he stopped ; it was a very hot
place around there and Jiard fighting.
There was a number of our boys foil quite
near, but you can tell the world it cost
the German army a good bit for the poor
boy's life.''
" It was a great shock to me to get your
letter telling me that Arthur was killed in
action on September 2nd. I do assure you
that I most sincerely sympathise with Mrs
Duncan, yourself and family in your great
loss. Arthur was one of my very few
friends out here; ever since he left Moose
Jaw over three years ago we have corre-
sponded very regularly, and we were al-
ways real good friends. Having worked
beside Arthur at the bank, I can testify
as to his popularity with his fellow-work-
ers and his clean living. Any letters that
I got from Arthur were always of a
cheeiful nature and we looked forward ito
the time when he and the others would
again visit us in our home. Arthur was a
good friend ; it was a real pleasure to work
in the same office with him, and he was
popular with all and he went away with
the good wishes of all his friends and
acquaintances."
Like many, he builded better than he
knew, as we recall the lines of Henry New-
bolt :—
" Let us build for the years we stoall not see.
With silence due
And with service free.
Let us build it for ever in splendour new;
Let us build in hope and in sorrow and
rest in Thee."
THE BATTLE OP AMIENS, 1918.
For the attack on the 8th August, 1918,
Sir Douglas Haig accumulated four hundred
tanks of the small " whippet " type. On the
date mentioned we began with an intense
bombardment. After four minutes it stop-
ped, and the tanks and the infemtry moved
forward. In the centre success was immedi-
ate and continuous. Canadian and British
162
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
cavalry performed miracles, and advanced
twenty-three miles. On Saturday, the 10th
of August, the Montdidier garrison surrend-
ered. Steady advances followed every day
until the loth August. This closed the first
phase of the Allies' advance.
BATTLE OF BAPAUME.
A new blow was now struck in a new
quarter on Sunday, 18th August, by General
Mangin, between the Oise and the Aisne.
He was successful on this and the following
days. Then on the morning of Wednesday,
the 21st, Byng struck with the British Third
Army. It was a complete suiprise to the
enemy. Beaucourt, Courcelles, and (other
places all fell. Albert was recovered on 22nd
August. On the 23rd the Australians took
Bray. On the following day Thiepval Eidge
was cleared. By the 25th, we had Mametz,
Martinpuich, and Le Sars. On the 26th, the
French took Fresnoy; and on the 27th, they
were in Roye. On the same day Monchy,
Roeux, Gavrelle, and other places fell to the
Canadians. On Thursday, the 29t'h, the Ger-
mans were in full retreat to a new line.
But on that day we had Combles and Mor-
val ; and the New Zealanders entered
Bapaume. This opened up the road to Cam-
brai. On the 31st of August the Australians
rushed Mont St Quentin, which was the key
to Peronne. The Australians entered Per-
onne on the 1st September. Great progress
was made in tiie first few days of September.
During the whole of September indeed the ir-
resistible advance of the Allies continued.
The enemy was steadily pushed back, and
thousands of prisoners and guns were taken.
That neither schools nor priests.
Nor kings may build again ;
A people with the heart of beasts,
Made wise concerning men.
Whereby our dead shall sleep
In (honour, un betrayed.
And we in faith and honour keep
That peace for which they paid.
PRIVATE ALEXANDER PEDEN
(Walkhrbuhn)
fiTH Roy A I. Scots.
1918. SeTtembee 3 (Tuesdat).
Two soldiers of the name Alexander I'eden
fell, and both were in the same regiment,
and wore cousins.
TbiM Alexander, No 853,886, bad be«n a
dyer by profession in a mill. He went out to
France in February, 1915, and was wounded
in August, on the 11th of the month, 1918, on
the Amiens front. He died in Chichester
Hospital on the 3rd of September, and his
body was buried in Innerleithen Cemetery.
The eighth day of August, 1918, was a black
day for Germany. On that day the second
and decisive Battle of Amiens began. On the
9th also began the second Battle of Lassigny,
and on the 11th, the day when Private Peden
was wounded, there was a great Allied ad-
vance between the River Oise and the River
Avre, which reached the line Armancourt,
Tilloy, Cambronne.
Hail and Farewell. We greet you here.
With tears that none will scorn —
Keepers of the House of old.
Or ever we were born.
One service more we dare to ask —
Pray for us, Heroes pray.
That when Fate lays on us our task
We do not shame the Day.
Say : do they watch with keen allnseeing eyes
My own endeavours in the whirling hell ?
Ah, God, Jiow great, how grand the sacrifice.
Ah, God. the manhood of yon men who fell!
PRIVATE ROBERT GRAITr
(Waikeebtjen)
Royal Scots.
1918. Septembee 15 (Sunday).
Mr William Grant, Concrete Buildings,
Walkerburn, received intimation that his
son. Private Robert Grant, Royal Scots, had
been killed in action. Private Grant, who
was 31 years of age, was a Territorial previ-
ous to the war, and rejoined his old company
at Innerleithen when war broke out. He
went fiirst to France in November, 1914, and
thereafter saw much active service, and had
been three times wounded. In civil life he
was employed in the millhouse of Tweedvale
Mills, Walkerburn, and was a. keen bowler in
the Walkerburn Club. His brother, John,
served with the Black Watch.
The Battle of St Mihiel had ended on the
13th of August, and there had been a con-
tinued German retreat between the Mouse
and Moselle. On the 15th, when Private
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
163
Grant fell, the British saptured Maissemy, 5
miles north-west of St Quentin.
What would we give to our beloved ?
The hero's heart to be unmoved?
The poet's star-tuned harp, to sweep?
The patriot's voice, to teach and rouse P
The monarch's crown, to light the brows ?
■' He giveth His beloved sleep."
But ye. dear Youth, who lightly on the day
of fury
Put on Britain's glory as a common coat.
And in your statura of masking grace
Stood forth a warrior complete,
No praise o'er-shadoweth yours to-day.
Walking out of the home of love
To match the deeds of all the dead
PRIVATE ROBERT D. INGLIS
(Walkehbxjen)
Aemt Ordnance Coeps.
1918. Septembee 18 (Wednesday).
Private Eobert Dryden Inglis enlisted into
the Army Ordnance Corps on March 15, 1916,
and was killed in action with the East Yorks
on September 18, 1918. He was 39 years of
age, was unmarried, and resided with Miss
Eobina Inglis, his sister, at Jubilee Eoad,
Walkerburn.
The 18th, when Private Eobert Inglis fell,
was the day of a great British advance on a
16 mile front, north-west of St Quentin. when
over 6000 prisoners were taken and many
guns. This was the end of the Battle of
Epehy.
Eobert was one of three gallant brothers
who fell— Archibald, June 24, 1916; William,
March 22. 1917; Eobert, September 18, 1918.
" Another for Hector," was the ancient cry.
As brother followed brother on the battle-
field.
To save their Chief those Heroes willed to
die
And life on Earth were satisfied to yield.
Such Gallant Souls die not. Scot follows
Scot,
And Brother joins with Brother in the self-
less Quest
For Honour, lung, and Eight. Death be
their lot
But Life Eternal with, the Gallant Blest.
Farewell to Lochaber, farewell to the glen.
No more will we wander Lochaber again.
Lochaber no more. Lochaber no more.
The lad will return to Lochaber no more.
The trout will come back from the deeps of
the sea.
The bird from the wilderness back to the
tree;
Flowers to the mountain, and tides to the
shore.
But he will return to Lochaber no more.
COMPANY-SERGEANT-MAJOR JOHN
MACINTYRE
(Stobo)
11th Cameeoniaus,
Scottish Eitles.
1918. Septembee 19 (Thuesdat).
John Macintyre joined the 11th Battalion
Cameronians, Scottish Eifles, on September,
1914. He served in France, went to Salonioa,
November, 1915, and fell in action attacking
the Bulgars on September 19, 1918. The rank
he held at the time of ihis deatli was Acting
Company Sergeant-Major ; his age was 27
years.
On the 19th there were further British
gains in the direction of St Quentin, and
heavy fighting around Gouzeaucourt and
Moeuvres. The British captured Lempire.
Why is it there — that bar of gold.f
Listen, I'll tell you why;
My heart was fuller than it could hold
When I kissed my boy good-bye.
"So long!" he said, with his sunny smile.
As he shouldered his rifle and pack;
Ah ! but it's long — a long, long while.
For my boy will never come back.
I nung up the card wlien he went away —
" Serving his country and king " —
That a gleam of light on my lonely way.
The sight of it there might bring.
" God keep him safe," was my daily prayer,
"Safe from each deadly chance!''
Till I got the tidings that brought despair —
' Your son lias been killed in France."
My iheart within me was turned to stone.
And never a tear I shed;
It seemed too cruel, I had but the one,
One only, and he was dead !
1 had borne him and loved him all in vain.
But they should not forget my Jack,
So I left the caid in the window-pane.
Crossed with a bar of black.
164
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
One night I ■was sitting, sad and drear.
As I thoTightfc of past days of joy,
Wihen it seemed to me as if One drew near
Who spoke to me of my boy :
" He fought for his God, his king, his land.
He is safe in the heavenly fold!"
Then He reached out a hand — a pierced hand —
And the bar was turned to gold.
A dream, you say? But a heaven-sent dream,
That comforts my heart's sore pain ;
Cut off in his prime my boy may seem,
But his life was not lived in vain.
I shall see him again though he'll not come
back,
For the Master's word will hold.
So the card's stiU there, but the bar of black
Is changed to a bar of gold !
put us off by saying the less we knew about
them the better."
We must grow old, lose hour by hour the
magic of life and the glory.
Watch our illusions die, grow cold when our
fires are spent;
But he is as the sunshine is, as the fields, as
the river —
Freedom is his, and youth unchallenged, and
power magnificent.
His is the changeless good.
And mine no longer barren solitude.
Since in this music that floats from river
and field and tree
All the gallant and lovely songs that were
his are restored to me.
PRIVATE DONALD M. MALLEN
(Eddleston)
Royal Scots and Highland Light Infantet.
1918. September 21 (Sattjedat).
Private Donald M. Mallen, who was em-
ployed at Portmore, enlisted in October, 1914,
in the Eoyal Scots, and was under orders for
France in February. 1915, but was ill in hos-
pital when his battalion left. Went out to
France in August, 1916, and was transferred
to H.L.T. He was invalided home in Decem-
ber, 1916, but returned to France in March,
1917. He came home on leave in March, 1918,
left for France on March 18, and was wound-
ed on March 25, 1918. He returned to France
on August 13, 1918; was wounded on Septem-
ber 19, and died on 21st. He was in the 12th
H.L.I, in 1916. but was in the l/5th at the
time of his death. His body was buried at
Boyelles.
" It was the l/5th Highland Light Infantry
who took the village of Mouvree, then lost
it, and retook it on the night of the 19th
September, when Donald was wounded. The
doctor was wounded m this same sector, and
died of his wounds too. Donald was always
so cheery. Even when he was wounded he
was joking away, and making the doctor
laugh at liis sallies, and saying that he would
surely got a nice soft bed to-night. He wrote
home most regularly, but never one word
that had to bo scored out by the censor. II'
we said anything to him when lie was at
home about the battles ho went through, ho
LANCE-COBFOBAL JAMES GRAHAM
(Beoxjqhton)
King's Own Scottish Borderers.
1918. September 22 (Sunday).
Lance-Corporal James Graham was plough-
man at Coomlees when he joined up at the
early age of sixteen in the beginning of
June, 1915. Having been attached to the
K.O.S.B. Eegiment, he was drilled in Edin-
burgh, and thereafter was sent to the Dar-
danelles on bis seventeenth birthday in Sept-
ember, 1915. During the winter, owing to
an attack of dysentry, he was taken in a
very serious condition to Cairo. After re-
covery in the summer of 1916, he wen^t to
the Western Front in France, and took part
in the British offensive on 1st July, 1916.
Shot through the right hand while rushing
the enemy trench, he took refuge in a shell
hole in No Man's Land for the most of the
day, thence back to safety and ultimately
to England, whei© he was an inmate of a
hospital in the South of England for some
itime. Joining his unit in the end of the
.year, lie was transferred to the Seaforth
Highlanders, and was on guard for & time
at Sandringhani, being one of a small com-
pany of Highlanders, and whom (Jueen Mai7
termed "her boys." Having been attached
to the 51st Division, he left home for the
last time on January 2nd, l!)1rt, bound for the
Western Front. Things sooiiuhI to go smooth-
ly with him itill tlio dark days started in
tiio latter days of Match. After the first
great German onslaught, ho was luckily one
Coaipanx-Seroeant-Majop. John Macintyue,
Stojjo.
Lance-CorpOral James Graham,
Bboughton.
Private Donald M. Mallen,
Eddleston.
Gunner Tom Eeid,
Innerleithen.
Private William R. W. Foestth,
Eddij;ston,
Private John Ballantyne,
KiRKUBD, NewLANDS, AND AUSTRALIA.
Sko.-Liei't. ItoniN 'J'. HosB,
TWKKDHMUIB.
Shinau.ku .Iamks Amoh,
'J'UAIJIIAIU AND ('aNADA.
Private William Hope,
Innerleithen.
Private Thomas Shiel,
Innerleithen.
Private Tom Cockbltrn,
Eddleston.
Private James Carrie,
Innerleithen.
Private William Taylor,
Beouohtox,
GUXNKU JOHX SlBHAIJl.
Innebl'eithex,
riMVAlK 'I'OM W. ''AMl'lll.l.L,
WaI.KI KDIIKN AMI NlW /lW,\Nll.
I'mVATK 'rilOMAH Scol"
iNNKBLIilTHKN.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
165
of tlie few who got. ofi scathless. After a
short rest he was back into it again.
It was then that Sir Douglas Haig's order
rang out — " Give no more ground, men, but
fight as if your backs were at the wall." Pri-
vate Graham was one of these brave Seaforths
who fought the German horde till the last
man went down, thus enabling the famous
51st Division to hold on. No word came
from him for some time, but at length news
from the War Office stated he had gone
amissing between April 9th and 12th. After
some time a field card came from himself
saying that he was a prisoner of war. We
learn through a fellow prisoner, an inmate
of the hospital, who has come home since
the signing of the Armistice, that Private
Graham was carried out of camp seriously
iU in September, and died on the 22nd
September in his 20th year.
He had a fine nature; quiet, thoughtful,
courteous in bearing, kindly in mood, he was
beloved by his friends.
Of him and his comrades can we not say—
" They poured their spirits out in pride,
They throbbed away the price of years;
Now that dear giound is glorified
Wiith dreams, with tears.
A flower there is sown, to bud
And bloom beyond our loss and smart-
Noble France, at its root is blood from
Scotland's heart.''
" They went with songs to the batitle, they
were young.
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and
aglow ;
They were s.taunch to the end against odds
uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe."
GUNNER TOM REID
(Innebleithen)
Royal Gaeeison Artilleet.
1918. September 22 (Sunday).
Mrs Naylor, Chambers Street, had the sad
information by telegram from her sister-in-
law that her brother. Gunner Tom Eeid, was
killed in action. Gunner Tom Reid, E.G.A.,
before enlistment, was employed with Messrs
Duncan & Sons, tailors, Brechin, having left
Innerleithen for that place eleven years pre-
viously. He had been enlisted about eighteen
months, and had only been nine months in
France. He was 39 years of age, and mar-
ried. Private Harry Naylor, a nephew of
the above, who had been twice wounded, TFas
in hospital in Kent, suffering from shrapnel
wounds in the left knee. A brother, Willie,
was serving with the Scottish Rifles in
France. His body was buried in the ceme-
tery at Marteville in St Quentin area.
Hostile attacks by the Germans iiorhh-v/est
of La Basee failed.
Sweet are the ways of death to weary feet.
Calm are the Shades of men.
The Phantom fears no tyrant in his seat.
The slave is master then.
L(ove is abolished; well, that this is so;
We knew him best as Pain.
The gods are all cast out, and let them go,
Who ever found them gain?
Not these bright feet
Which tread their chosen road of death,
deplore ;
But ours which walk the customary street.
Barren and dull and anxious as before.
These million dead
Need not your tears ; but let them flow
For us to whom is given our daily bread
And are content — as long as this is so.
PRIVATE WILLIAM R. W. TORSYTH
(EIddleston)
Highland Light Ini-antey.
1918. September 29 (Sunday).
Killed in action on 29th September, 1918,
Private William R. W. Forsyth, Highland
Light Infantry, aged 19 years, third dearly
beloved son of Mr and Mrs James Forsyth,
20 Station Eoad, Eddleston.
Mr and Mrs Jas. Forsyth, 20 Station Road,
received official intimation that their third
son, No. 55139, Private William R. W. For-
syth, Highland Light Infantry, had been
killed in action on 29th September. Private
Forsyth, who was only in his 20th year, in
civil life was employed in the gardens at
Portmore, Eddleston, for over three years, at
the termination of which period he went to
the Hirsel, Coldstream. It was while at this
166
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
latter place that he joined up in February,
1917. Private Forsyth was nine months on
active service. Mr and M:-s Forsyth had other
two sons serving in France.
On September 26 there was a great Franco-
American attack on a forty mile front, from
the middle of Champagne to the Meuse. On
the 27th there followed a great British attack
on the Cambrai front. The second battle of
Cambrai and battle of St Quentin began. The
Hindenburg Line was pierced. On the 28th
the battle of Flanders began — British and Bel-
gians — from Dixmude to Ploegsteert; and on
the 29th, when Private Forsyth fell, several
places— Dixmude, Passchendaele, Messines,
Theluveer, etc., were taken.
THE BATTLE OF CAMBEAI-ST QUENTIN.
On the 27th September Sir Douglas Haig
began this battle, which resulted in the cap-
ture of both these cities, which had defied us
for so long. The deadly obstacle was the
Canal du Nord, deep and broad, with sloping
sides, every inch of which was ranged by the
heavy guns of the enemy. Bourlon Wood was
cleared ; Marcoing was captured ; and the out-
skirts of Cambrai entered that night. A
breach of eight miles was made in the Hin-
denburg Line, north of St Quentin.
KING Albert's victory.
The third offensive in Flanders began on
the 28th September. It was undertaken by
the Belgians, French, and Second British
Army, with King Albeit in command. Dix-
mude was captured. Houthoulst forest was
cleared. General Plumer in two days took
Poelcapelle and Passchendaele, and was with-
in a mile of Eoulers and Menin. Further
south the Messines ridge had been seized once
more. The last week of September was the
most wonderful week of the war. The great-
est battle in history was approaching a
climax ; the whole 250 miles of front, from the
Meuse to the sea. was ablaze.
Dearly loved : untimely killed —
A Tweeddale lad of gallant soul
Left his dear flowers and bravely willed
To do his bit, and give his whole.
And now within Heaven's garden fair
Ho waiidors from the battlefield.
Laurel and lily crown his hair.
And rosemary decks his uiistuiued shield.
SEC-LIEUT. ROBIN T. ROSS.
(Twebdsmtjib)
Royal Scots Fusiliebs.
1918. September 29 (Sunday).
Sec-Lieut. Eoss spent SJ years at Talla
Eeservoir. He was 1 year old when he went
there, where his father was missioneii-y dur-
ing the construction of the Talla Eeservoir.
After Si years at Kinlochleven, he went to
Oban, where he was educated at the Oban
High School, and where he was the gold
medalist before he went to Glasgow Univer-
sity as an arts student. He attested under
the Lord Derby Scheme when 18, and was
sent to Woolwich, then to Dover, and thence
to France in the A.O.C. After lOi months'
service, he came over for training as a cadet,
and was gazetted on October 31st, 1917. After
SJ months on this side he was sent for, and
was only six weeks at the front when he was
fatally wounded. He was a keen student, and
had many plans of usefulness mapped out
never to be realised in this world, but he died
at his post " faithful unto death." We are
glad that the sacrifice was not in vain. He
fell near Armentieres.
The Allies had reached Eoulers-Menin Road,
and the British had broken the Hindenburg
Line on a 6 mile front, taking 22,000 prisoners.
Suddenly a great noise shall fill my ears.
Like angry waters or the roar of men;
I shall be dizzy, faint with many fears;
Blindly my hands shall clutch the air— and
then
I shall be walking 'neath the quiet .skies.
In the familiar land of former years.
Among familiar faces. I shall arise
In that dear land where there are no more
tears.
_ who loved him, what have we to lay
For sign of worship on his warrior-bier?
But we
But service of our lives to keep her free.
The land ho served.
That oath we plight, as now the trumpets
swell
His requiem, and the men-at-arms stand
mute.
And through the mist the guns he loved so
well
Thunder a lust salute!
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
167
And through the sunset of this purple cup
They will resume the roses of their prime.
And the old Dead will hear us and wake up,
Pass with dim smiles and make our hearts
sublime.
PRIVATE JOHN BALLANTYNE
(KlEKUED, NeWLANDS, AND AUSTRALIA)
Australian Imperial Force.
1918. Septestbee 30 (Monday).
Private John Ballantyne, A.I.F., was the
second son of Mr and Mrs John Ballantyne,
for many years resident in the parishes of
Newlands and Kirkurd. He had been in Aus-
tralia several years when war broke out, but
returned to this country as a private in the
Australian Imperial Force in December, 1917.
He proceeded to France in March, 1918, and
fell in action at Tincourt ou 30th September,
1918. He was 35 years of age. His brother
William fell on October 13, 1915.
On the 30th there was important progress
on St Quentin-Cambiai Front. Thorigny-
Guistain-Eumilly taken. Cambrai was fired
on by the enemy. There was also stiff Ameri-
can fighting in the Argonne Forest, and pro-
gress by the British north of Neuve Chapelle.
praise the Lord, praise the lord
For those whose course is ended —
True heroes, who with life outpoured —
The cause of right defended:
In lonely, distant graves they lie.
Or 'neath the wave are sleeping;
Their souls we trust, Lord most High,
To Thy most tender keeping.
praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Peal out your loud thanksgiving;
Henceforward be His Name adored
By every creature living.
Great King of kings, though stern Thy rod,
Thy mercy f aileth never ;
Be Thou our Guide, be Thou our God,
For ever and for ever. Amen
both had been in the service of Lords Arthur
and Lionel Cecil at Orchardmains for a long
time, William having been estate joiner. In
1889 the Amos family accompanied the Lords
Lionel and Arthur Cecil from Orchardmains
to England, and James was born at Hilden-
burgh, in Kent, on the 17th February, 1893.
He was educated at Lymington in Hants, and
became an apprentice butcher at Sway in the
same county. In 1911 James, along with his
three brothers, emigrated to Canada, where
James settled in Toronto as a butcher. When
war broke out he enlisted in the 15th Batt.
Canadian Infantry, and rose to be signaller.
In the month of January, 1918, the closing
year of the war, James went to France on ac-
tive service, and in the following month was
gassed, but not seriously. On the 6th of Octo-
ber towards the close of the same year,
he was seriously wounded in the head,
both limbs, and right arm, from which he
succumbed within a few hours in the hospital
of the 1st Canadian Clearing Station, aged 24
years.
He died, as soldiers die, amid the strife.
Mindful of Britain in his latest prayer ;
God, of His Love, would have so fair a life
Crowned with a death as fair.
He might not fight the battle as of old.
But, as of old, among his own he went.
Breathing a faith that never once grew cold
A courage still unspent.
Tired of all Earth's playthings.
Heartsick and ready to sleep,
Ready to bid our friends farewell.
Wondering why they weep.
Passing out of the shadow
Into eternal day.
Why do we call it dying.
This sweet Going Away?
SIGNALLER JAMES AMOS.
(Teaquair and Canada)
15th Canadians.
1918. October 6 (Sunday).
James Amos was not a native of Traquair,
but his father and forebears had been con-
nected with that parish for many years. His
parents were William and Isabella Amos, and
PRIVATE WILLIAM HOPE
(Innerleithen;
Highland Light Infantry.
1918. October 9 (Wednesday).
Mr John Hope, High Street, Innerleithen,
received intimation that his son. Private
William Hope, Highland Light Infantry, died
of enteric fever at Simla, India. Pte. Hope
joined up in September, 1914., and had been
168
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
wounded. At the time of his enlistment he
was employed in Singer's Works, Clydebank.
He was a member of the Vale of Leithen roo1>
ball Club. He joined up in September, 1914,
at Maryhill Barracks, Gleisgow, then left for
Plymouth, and was in training there for 3
months, and went from there to France in
January of the following year. He was
wounded in March at Neuve Chapelle on the
head and back, caused by shrapnel. Private
Hope was later taken .seriously ill, and was in
hospital at Epsom, England, for 8 months,
and went from there to re-join his regiment
at David Kilpatrick's School at Leith, being
stationed there for 3 months, and then left
again for Mesopotamia in the year 1916. He
had rather an exciting experience, being
chased by submarines. He landed in India 7
weeks later, and then went from there to
Mesopotamia. He was only 3 weeks there
when he had his first attack of enteric fever,
and was again taken back to India, where he
was in hospital for a few months, and was
then sent to a hill station to a place for con-
valescents, called by the name of Wellington,
and was there nearly 4 months, going from
there to Bangalore Barracks in Bombay for
garrison duty. He was feeling much better
of his long rest, and said he felt that he would
like a change and wanted to do a bit more of
active service, so joined into the Meichine
Gun Corps for training, and in his last letter
to a friend he said that was his last day of
training, and expected to be sent either to
France or Egypt, and was in the highest of
spirits in that letter (27th Sept.), and in the
best of health. Then came the wire inform-
ing his friends of his death on the 9th Octo-
ber, from another attack of enteric fever,
having died in hospital at Simla the day after
being admitted.
When I remember all
The friends so linked together
I've seen around me fall
Like leaves in wintry weather,
I feel like one
Who treads alone
Some banquet-hall deserted.
Whose lights are fled.
Whose garlands dead.
And all but he departed.
Oh, blessed Vision, after all the years,
Christ's with us yet. To-day, as heretofore,
Men see Thee still, and they cast off their
fears.
And take fresh courage to press on once more.
The soldiers, bearing from the desperate fight
A wounded brother, meet Thee in the way.
And know Thee, Friend and Saviour, in the
strife,
(Oh, Christ, White Comrade, in their stand
For once again Thy loved ones hear Thee
say —
for Eight)—
" Lo I am with thee alway. Lord of Life."
PRIVATE TOM COOKBURN
(Eddleston)
14th Black Watch.
1918. OcToBEE 23 (Wednesday).
Killed in action, on 23rd October, 1918, Pri-
vate Thomas Cockburn, youngest son of Mr
and Mrs Cockburn, late of Bloweary, Nether
Fala, Eddleston. Sadly mourned.
" I have no doubt that you have been noti-
fied by the War Ofiice of the death, of your
son who was killed in action on the evening
of Wednesday, 23rd October. He was a
brave lad, and on the night of the attack
we had all to do our best, and not all of us
could expect to come back. You can have
the glorious satisfaction that your son died
a hero for his home and country and for
the peace and comfort of the world. I am
proud to be able to testify to the gallant
manner in which your son acted during
times of the utmost need of courage and
daring to enable us to conquer our enemy.
" Kindly accept of my very deep sym-
pathy, but I hope you will be comforted in
the fact that he died a hero for the sake of
home and country."
This was the day on which there was a big
British attack between Le Cateau and Valen-
ciennes, which carried the line forward one to
three miles after stiff resistance. Bruay was
taken, and Sclieldt reached.
OOTOBEB VIOTOniES.
On the morning of the Ist October a furi-
ous battle was raging for the possession of St
Quentin. The French entered the city in the
afternoon. Lc Catelet was taken on the 3rd
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
169
October. The Germans evacuated Armen-
tieres. La Bass^e, and Lens, which were occu-
pied by the British, who also seized Aubers
ridge overlooking Lille. In the early hours
of the 9th October, the Canadians entered
Cambrai. A little later the British entered
the city from the south, and the two forces
joined hands in the centre of the town. A
great battle was fought south of Cambrai;
and on the 10th October our columns reached
Le Cateau. The Americans in the Argonne
were having one of the stiffest tasks of the
war. On the 13th October the French entered
Laon without a fight. Le Fere was taken the
same day. The British Second Army entered
the burning ruins of Menin. On the 17th
October the British allowed the French to be
the first to enter Lille. Douai was occupied
the same day; and on the 18th Roubaix and
Turcoing were occupied.
I could see their colours floating on moor,
and moss, and glen,
.4nd I saw the regiments mustered that ne'er
returned again.
They came from lonely moorlands and far
sequestered towers,
And every hill and valley yielded its fairest
flowers.
From Eddleston, Esk and Yarrow, from
Teviot, Tweed, and Jed,
From Cademuir and from Cheviot, to lone St
Mary's Lake,
They failed not of their summons, and knew
their lives at stake.
And they rode away to the eastward, and the
land was still as night.
With never a man that faltered, and never a
thought of flight.
Fleet foot on the coriie.
Sage counsel in cumber,
Eed hand in the foray.
How sound is thy slumber.
Like the dew on the mountain,
Like the foam on the river.
Like the bubble on ths fountain.
Thou art gone, and forever.
PRIVATE THOMAS SHIEL
(InNEKLEITHEN;
Scottish Eifles (Cameronians).
1918. OCTOBEE 25 (Feidat).
On 25th October, died of wounds received in
action in France, Private Thos. Shiel, Scot-
tish Eifles, aged 26, third son of the late
James Shiel, Innerleithen.
Mrs Gilchrist, Buccleuch Street, Inner-
leithen, received official intimation that her
brother. Private Thomas Shiel, Scottish
Eifles, died of wounds on the 25th October.
Private Shiel, who was 26 years of age, joined
up in March, 1916, and went to Prance two
years before he fell, and had been previously
gassed. At the time of his enlistment he was
employed in the Bridge Steel Works, Wishaw,
having gone there in June, 1914, previous to
which he worked in St Eonan's Mill, Inner-
leithen. Private Shiel originally belonged to
Innerleithen, but for a number of years pre-
vious to 1908 the family resided in Galashiels.
He was a widower, and leaves one child. His
brother William was in the Eoyal Engineers,
and was in France. Private Shiel was a very
enthusiastic member of St Eonan's Quoiting
Club.
October 25 saw the end of the Battle of the
Selle. The British had advanced three miles
after heavy fighting, and had gained 9,000
prisoners and 150 guns. There was now a fur-
ther advance between Le Quesnoy and Maing,
and followed by steady progressive advances
in the following days.
" We had difiiculty for some time in find-
ing where he was buried. My husband
communicated with the Graves Commission,
and got back word that my brother's grave
would be found at Inchy, which is a village
on the main Cambrai-Le Cateau road. My
husband being in France at the time, im-
mediately got leave to visit the place, and
found my brother's grave at the place
named. He lies beside a few of his com-
rades, in a place adjoining the French
Cemetery, his grave being marked by a
little wooden cross, bearing an aluminium
plate with his name, number, and regiment.
" His letters home to me were always very
cheery, but he seldom made any mention of
his liTe out there. He was always popular
with his comrades, owing to his good nature
and cheerful disposition, and he is a great
miss to me.
" He must have got wounded in the fight-
ing for Englefontaine, and been conveyed
from that place to Inchy Field Ambulance,
which would be from 10 to 15 miles further
back, and he must have died in the latter
place."
■' He was employed as a stretcher-bearer
with this company during an engagement
at Poix du Nord, near Englefontaine. He
170
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
was attending a wounded comrade when lie
himself was seriously wounded with shrap-
nel. He was conveyed to the 99th Field
Ambulance, where he died. He was buried
in the neighbourhood of Poix du Nord. Al-
though I did not know your brother person-
ally, I have heard from men of his platoon,
and also several of the other officers who
knew him, that he was a good, straight-
forward and conscientious soldier, who
never shirked his duty at any time. He
met his death while in the execution of his
duty, and no soldisr could wish for any
other death."
The most Beloved on Earth
Not long survives to-day:
So music sweet is obsolete.
And yet 'twas sweet, 'twas passing sweet.
But now 'tis gone away.
Thus does the shade
In memory fade.
You lived for peace, and lived for war, you
knew no little strife:
To conquer first, then help your foe, make
music of your life.
And for the sake oi those you led, you gave
your life away.
As youth might fling a coin of gold upon a
sunny day.
PRIVATE JAMES CARRIE
(Innerleithen)
RovAL Aemy Sebvicb Corps
1918. November 2 (Satuedat).
Mrs James Carrie, Morningside, Inner-
leithen, received the sad news by telegram
that her husband. Private James Carrie, of
the Royal Army Service Corps, had died
from broncho-pneumonia in Serbia. In civil
life he had been a chauffeur and enlisted in
May, 1915. Having such a good knowledge
and practice in motor cars he underwent
only six weeks training, and departed to
Salonika, where he joined the Motor Trans-
port Service. He was with the Serbians
for two and a half years. He left a widow
and one child, and was aged thirty years.
Private Carrie passed away on the very
day after the Serbs i c-entered Belgrade, hav-
ing been driven therefrom by the Au.strianB.
The Austrian army retieated and continued
to do BO towards tlie Venetian Alps. The death
of Private Carrie is the only one of a
Tweeddale soldier occurring in Serbia.
And some leave wives behind — young wives;
Already some have launched new lives,
A little daughter, a little son.
For thus this blundering world goes on.
But never more will any see
The old seciie felicity.
The kindnesses that made us glad
Before the world went mad.
They'll never hear another bird.
Another gay, or loving word.
Those men who lie so cold and lone.
Far in a country not their own.
Those men wiho died for you and me
That Britain still might sheltered be,
And all our lives go on the same.
Although to live is almost shame.
PRIVATE WILLIAM TAYLOR
(Broughton)
Highland Light Infantry.
1918. November 10 (Sunday).
Private William Taylor, eldest son of
James Taylor, Beechglade, Mossfennan, edu-
cated at Glenholm, joined the army, and
was trained in various camps at Fife and
Newport. He was with the 2nd H.L.I, and
went to France. Wounded on 23rd October,
1918, he was received into Rouen Hospital,
thence transferred to England and received
into the University War Hospital, where he
died on 10th November, cheered by the lov-
ing presence and care of his relatives. He
was laid to rest in Broughton Churchyard
with every sign of respect, the deepest sym-
pathy being felt by the community for his
parents, brothers and sisters. An affection-
ate son, a loving brother, a trusted comrade,
esteemed by bis officers, a ilienrty Guild.sniiin.
and member of the Church. His memory
is cherished in grateful hearts, lielieving
" Life is ever lord of Death and love can
never lose its own."
"In life and death, in dark iuul li^ht,
All are in God's cart>;
Sound the ))luck a))yss, piprop thp deop of
night
And Hp is thpre.''
County of Peebl.es Book of Remembrance.
171
Hun men they marahed, like an avalanche
on us falling.
Proud men they met, in the dark before the
dawning.
Seven to one they came against us to shatter
us and drown.
One to seven in the woodland we fought
them up and down.
In the sad October woodland, when all the
skies were mourning.
THE BATTLE OF VALENCIENNES.
Overwhelming defeats of powerful armies;
rapid downfall of mighty Empires. Thus
was history being made in the first eleven
days of November.
The fourth Canadian Division fought its
way into Valenciennes. On the 4th Novem-
ber began the battle of the Sambre. Lan-
drecies was captured ; and the New Zealand-
ers compelled the surrender of Le Quesnoy.
The French cariied Guise by assault; and
the Americans entered Sedan. On the 6th
November the Germans asked for an arm-
istice. On tihe 8th November we captured
Avesnes; on the 9th the Guards entered
Maubiege. On the iOth the Canadians were
advancing on Mons. The Belgians occupied
Ghent. The French had captured Mezieres
and Hireon. On 11th November the Can-
adians entered Mons The Armistice was
signed on that day. The war was at an
end. The German Emperor fled. The Ger-
man Empire ceased to exist.
PRIVATE TOM W. CAMPBELL
(Walkerbuen and Nevt Zealand)
1918. November 12 (Tuesday).
At Featherstone Military Hospital, New
Zealand, on 12th November, 1918, Tom W.
Campbell, aged 26 years, second son of Mr
and Mrs John Campbell, Fir Knowe, Walker-
burn, and husband of Belle Thomson, late of
Peebles.
He w'as only a few weeks in the Army
when he had a severe attack of influenza,
and died in Featherstone Hospital, New
Zealand, on November 12, 1918, and was
buried on the 14th, along with 17
other soldiers. He served his apprentice-
ship in Tweedholm Mill, Walkerburn, as
a dyer, and left home 6i years ago to fill a
post in Napier, New Zealand, which post he
held when called up. His minister in Napier
gave him a grand character, as being a good
church worker and an exemplary young man.
He was the second son of Mr and Mrs John
Campbell, Fir Knows, Walkerburn, and was
26 years of age.
Friend after friend departs:
Who hath not lost a friend.?
There is no union here of hearts
That finds not here an end :
Were this frail world our only rest.
Living or dying, none were blest.
Christ speaks : —
I knew you'd think of Me in hours of weak-
ness —
It was for you I suffered pain and weakness;
How else had bean fulfilled the Father's
word —
" Perfect through suffering," " Captain of
Salvation ? "
Thus each tried Soul works out his own
salvation —
The servant is not greater than his Lord.
GUNNER JOHN SIBBALD
(Inneeleithen)
EoYAi Field Aetilleby.
1918. NoYEMBEB 28 (THUSfiDAY).
Gunner John Sibbald, born 25th April,
1898, accidentally killed by an explosion of
ammunition in France, ou Thursday, 28th
November, 1918.
Mr and Mrs David Sibbald, High Street,
Innerleithen, received the sad news that their
eldest son, Gunner John Sibbald, of the
R.P.A., had met with a fatal accident through
the bursting of a shell in an ammunition wag-
gon. He joined the forces iii November, 1916,
and was sent to Italy in March, 1917, and
when the great offensive started in March of
this year in France he was sent there. He
was wounded on 2nd September. In letters
from the Major commanding the battery and
the Chaplain, they state that he was buried,
along with other seven comrades, with full
military honours. Gunner Sibbald was 20
years of age, and, previous to being called up,
was employed as an apprentice butcher with
his father.
Extract from a letter dated August, 1918—
" I can tell you 1 have seen a bit this
scrap. We have the Hun on the lun, but
172
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
we did not have things all our own way. I
had been under shell-fire before, ;.nd had
tasted his gas, but it was as nothing com-
pared with what our boys went through
these last three weeks. In one position we
were under gas and heavy shells for a day
and night. When we opened fire his planes
came over flying low, and turned their
machine guns on us. When we attempted
to get the guns out, we ware exposed to
machine gun fire from one of his snipers.
We have a Higher Hand than man to thank
for coming out of that position alive. Some
"Jocks" came along with some prisoners, so
we made them do the job. I would not
liked to have missed this scrap, although I
do feel sorry for those that are no more."
To us it seemed his life was too soon done.
Ended, indeed, while scarcely yet begun :
God, with His clearer vision, saw that he
Was ready for a larger ministry.
Remember, too, how short His life on Earth-
But three and thirty years 'twixt death and
birth.
.And of those years but three whereof we
know.
Yet those three years immortal seed did sow.
It is not tale of years that tells the whole
Of man's success or failure, but the Soul
He brings to them, the songs he sings to
them.
The steadfast gaze he fixes on the Goal.
Should you dream ever of the days departed,
Of youth and morning, no more to return —
Forget not me, so fond and passion-hearted.
Quiet at last reposing
Under the moss and fern.
but previous to the war resided with his
sister, Mrs Allen, Miller Street, Innerleith-
en. Before enlistment, he was employed as
a piecer in Leithen Mills, and was a drum-
mer boy with the local Boy Scouts. He went
to France on the 23id of February, and
was gassed on the 17th November by ac-
cident in a dug-out. He was invalided
home, and died as stated, the cause of his
death being pneumonia and heart failure.
He was the youngest of six brothers who
were serving with the colours. His remains
were brought to Innerleithen, in chaige of
two members of the Red Cross Society.
Mrs Allen, his sister, writes as follows : —
He went to France on February 23rd
1918, and was at the Base for a while,
and then got sent up the line. He was
with the Signal Coy., R.E., for a while,
and liked it fine, and he was newly back
to his old Company when he got accident-
ally gassed. It was a terrible blow to us all,
for after the fighting was done and them
all safe, we just thought how lucky we had
been. But it was God's will to take him
from us, SO' we can only say — Thy will be
done, not ours. But I have one consola-
tion, I have him buried here, where we
can see his grave. My husband has been
up since August 5, 1914, and went to
France in July, 1915. My brothers' names
are— Pte. Thomas Scott, 209th Labour Em-
ployment Company; Pte. Wm. Scott, 70th
Labour Employment Company; Pte. Hugh
Scott, 1st K.O.S.B. ; Pte. James Scott, 4tih
Canadian Infantry Brigade; Robert H.
Scott, 50th Squadron, Royal Air Force;
Sergeant Geo. H. Scott, 4th K.O.S.B.
George has been twice wounded in the
leg, once in Egypt and in France.
PRIVATE THOMAS SCOTT
(Innkhleithkn)
DivisiONA.1, Employment Company.
1918. NOVEMBEH 29.
Private Thomas Scott, one of sis gallant
brothers, 209 Divisional Employment Com-
pany, died in Ellesmere Hospital on the
29th November. Ho was the youngest son
of Mr Wm, Scott, Queen Street, Galashiels,
Brave boy, regret not what you've done.
You lioped to see the battle won ;
To ru.sh on the focmon's ranks of steel.
The lust of war and its joys to feel :
Tlie thing that to you seems sore amiss
Is to lie alone in a place like this. . . .
licjoice, you are one with the men who fall
Respon.sive to their country's call;
Your duty done, for you the Eternal Crown
is won.
BkIGADIER-GeNEKAL ArTHUK a. ^\'llJ.FE-A-l urka\, C.B.
Eddlestok.
Gunner Charles H. Fergusun,
Newlands.
Private Walter Klliot,
Eddleston.
Tboopbe Robert Ladrie,
Stobo and Australia.
Private Alexander Kelly,
Stobo and Australia.
Private John Henderson,
Innerleithen.
Cortl'IIIUI. ,\l,l-.,\ANI)Kll MlJIlllAV,
TwKBDHMUra.
SKiuiii\N'i' David Stevenson,
VVai,ki''.uiiiih,n.
PkIVAIE MjiLVlN HlSBAND,
Innerleithen.
LiEtT. -General Sir James Wolek Murray, K.C'.B.
Eddleston.
Private William M'Arthve,
Lance-Cokporal Williaji ('lemison,
Skirling.
Sergeant Geokge Andkhson,
Newi.ands.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
173
BEiaADIER-GENERAL ARTHUR A.
WOLFE-MURRAY, O.B.
(Eddleston)
Highland Light Inpantet.
1918. December 7 (Satuedat).
In loving memory of Bi igadier-General A.
A. Wolfe Murray, C.B. (Arty.), 7th Decem-
ber, 1918.
" O valiant heart, who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through
battle flame :
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue
proved.
Your memory hallowed in the land you
loved."
On 7th December, at 156 Sloane Street,
S.W., London, suddenly, of heart failure
following on influenza, Bi igadier-General
Arthur Alexander Wolfe Murray, C.B., late
Highland Light Infantry, aged 52.
The late Brigadier-General A. A. Wolfe
Murray, C.B., whose death occurred on 7th
December, at 156 Sloane iStreet, London,
S.W., from heart failure, following influenza,
was the son of the late Mr James Wolfe
Murray of Cringletie by his second marriage
with Lousia Grace, third daughter of Sir
Adam Hay, seventh Baronet of Haystoun.
General Wolfe Murray, who for some three
years (1909-12) was Assistant Military Sec-
retary to the General Officer Commanding-
in-Chief in Scotland, passed nearly the whole
of his career In the Highland Light In-
fantry. He Iserved with the 1st Battalion
in the South African War, was wounded at
Magersfontein, and was twice mentioned in
dispatches. In August, 1914, he went out
with the Expeditionary Force in command
of the 2nd Battalion, and served with it
during 1914 and 1915. He was mentioned in
dispatches, and was awarded the C.B. On
the conclusion of his period of regimental
command, he was given the command of a
reserve brigade at ihome, with the rank of
Brigadier-General, and held this post till
last July, when he retired to the unem-
ployed list.
"Arty" (as he was aflectionately termed
by his intimates), will be greatly missed by
a large circle of devoted friends, and by
many acquaintances, for he was widely
known both in military and sporting
spheres. From boyhood, he had a genius,
almost, for all games— a good cricketer, a
fine golfer, and excellent shot, a remarkable
billiard player, and a finished exponent of
bridge — yet withal modest and unassuming,
never boastful of his prowess, neither jeal-
ous of his equals or superiors, nor con-
temptuous of the many who fell short of
his own liigh standard. A charming com-
panion, of even temper, with a quiet but
keen sense of humour, possessed of a fund
of anecdote, courteous to all, he naturally
attracted other men towards him, and few
possessed as many friends as ihe. In his
native county — with which in all respects he
could claim a very close connection — he was
well known as a soldier, a sportsman, and
a gentleman. His memory will long remain
green among the Peeblesshire bills, which
he so deeply loved.
The late General married, in 1904, Evelyn,
second daughter of the late Mr Colin J.
Mackenzie of Portmore, Lord-Lieutenant of
Peeblesshire, wiho, with an only son (Mal-
colm), bom in 1908, are left to mourn his
loss.
And you, to whom it was not given
To die upon the fougbten field.
Yes, you full equally have striven.
For you your life did yield
As nobly as the men who fell
There, in the blazing mouth of hell.
Not in the wild rush of the fight,
God saw it meet for you to die.
Yet he who keeps his armour bright
His Lord doth magnify.
You answered equally the call
And he who gives himself gives all.
PRIVATE WALTER ELLIOT
(Eddleston)
Machine Gun Coeps.
1918. December 11 (Wednesday).
On the nth December, 1918, there died in
the Military Hospital at Grantham, of
broncho-pneumonia. Private Walter Elliot,
Machine Gun Corps, husband of Janet Stew-
art, and second son of Walter Elliot, Ed-
dleston, formerly of Newby, Peebles. The
deceased soldier was born at Benger Burn,
Yarrow, and was a gamekeeper before en-
listing. He was almost seven years with
174
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
fhe late William Allan Woddiop of Garvald,
and later he was in the employment of Lord
Tweedmouth, at Hiitton Castle, Berwick-
shire. He attested under the Derby Scheme
in November, 1915, and when Liord Tweed-
mouth's estate was sold in April, 1916, lie
went into a munition factory. He enlisted
in the King's Own Scottish Borderers on
5th January, 1917, and was transferred to
the Highland Light Infantry, and later to
the Machine Gun Corps. Private Elliot went
out to Prance in June, 1917. He was wound-
ed at Spriet, north of Passchendaele, on the
26th October, 1917. Private Elliot was keen-
ly interested in football, but his main sport
was shooting. He was a good shot, and won
many prizes at clay pigeon matches both in
Peeblesshire and Berwickshire. He was of
a very oheery nature, and was much liked
by his friends and acquaintances.
Be sure that in the western sun
His evening prayers were mutely said,
And when the long night came at last.
Faith comforted his dying bed.
The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power.
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er
gave.
Await alike the inevitable hour;
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
Death cannot rob him of the soldier's prize.
Self-sacrifice. Death is too weak to take
The joy of having given, from the eyes
The light of consecration, from the brow.
He has laid down his life for Scotland's sake ;
He is the living soul of Scotland now.
service and (hardships and wounds in the
war. None the less, those gallant men, most
of whom had fought in many battles, gave
up their lives in the great cause for which
the Allies had been fighting since the fate-
ful fourth of August, 1914. As the war be-
gan at Mons, from which the British had
in the beginning to retreat amid terrible
hardships, owing to the smallness and un-
preparedness of what the German Emperor
styled. General French's contemptible little
army, so by an unusual yet kindly gift of
fate to a long-suffering army, the Britisii
captured Mons before dawn on the 11th of
November, Martinmas. An Armistice was
signed at 5 a.m., and hostilities ceased on all
fronts at 11 in the forenoon. The war ended
with the battle of the Sambre, and the
British fiont extending about sixty miles,
from near Montbliart to just north of
Grammont.
harmless death, whom still the valiant
brave.
The wise expect, the sorrowful invite.
And all the good embrace, who know the
grave
A short dark passage to eternal light.
And is this all? Was all in vain
The life that you so ea.rly gave?
And only swept by wind and rain.
Another Scottish soldier's grave?
We thought that radiant soul was meant
For greater things; we should be sure
No life is sihort, thus nobly spent.
No hero's death is premature.
GUNNER CHARLES H. FERGUSON
(Newlands)
BoTAL Field Aetillert.
1918. December 14 (Friday).
At 12 Stationary Hospital, France, on the
14th December, 1918 (of cerebro-spinal men-
ingitis), 2(i5fl]0 Gunner Charles H. Ferguson,
K.F.A., aged 21 years, tliird son of Mr and
Mrs David Ferguson, Whiteside, Newlands,
by West Linton, Peeblesshire; deeply re-
gretted.
It will be observed that these latter
deabliH were those of soldiers who fell, not
on tlio immediate field of ))attle, but from
illncHb and diboaso as tlie result of military
TROOPER ROBERT LAURIE
(Stobo and Australia)
Australian Imperial Force.
Light Horse.
1918. (Close.)
Son of Robert Laurie; grandson of Joseph
Laurie of l;anrioton, New South Wales, and
great grandson of Joseph Laurie of Stobo,
I'coblesshire. He enlisted early in the war
in the Light Horse, and served two and a
half years in Egypt and Palestine. He was
severely injured fiom being buried by a
bursting mheil and also from a fall from his
luirse when attempting an almost impossible
leap in endeavouring to escape a Turkis))
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
175
ambush. He was considered to be on© of
the most daring and expert horsemen who
left Australia. The hardships of the desert,
when he was accustomed to be 16 hours daily
in tihe saddle, proved too much for his con-
stitution, £iiid ihe was invalided home to
Australia some months previous to the sign-
ing of the Armistice. He arrived home a
pliysical wreck and passed away in a few
months in his sleep at the age of 34. His
body was buried in Armadale Cemetery with
full military honours.
This is another of the gallant band of six,
originally derived from Stobo, Scotland, and
settled in New South Wales, of whom
twenty-six came over and six fell, all de-
scendants of the patriarch from Stobo
Quarry, Stobo, Tweeddale.
PRIVATE ALEXANDER KELLY
(Stobo and Australia)
1918. (Close.)
Youngest son of Robert Kelly, grandson
of Joseph Lawrie of Laurieton, New South
Wales; great-grandson of Joseph Lawiie of
Stobo, Peeblesshire. Enlisted in 1916 and
went direct to Britain for training; there-
after to France. He was only for a short
time in the trenches before being wounded.
Again returning to duty, he served up to
the signing of tlie Armistice and afterwards
with the Army of Occuijation, where, un-
fortunately, he contracted pneumonia and
died at the Casualty Clearing Station two
days later.
This was also a member of the Laurie
clan from New South Wales and Stobo,
Scotland. Occasionally in their records,
they mention West Linton as their place
of origin also. But this is because the
patriarch Joseph Laurie lived for a short
time in West Linton, but considered Stobo
as their original place. In Icorrespondence
with the author, they all mistakenly con-
sidered both Stobo and West Linton to be
suburbs of Peebles.
... So long as the blood endures,
I shall know that your God is mine; ye
shall feel that my strength is yours.
In the day of Armageddon, at the last great
fight of all
That our house stand together, and the
pillars do not fall.
Draw now the three-fold knot firm on the
nine-fold bands.
And the law that ye make shall be law
after the rule of your lands.
This for the waxen heath, and that for the
wattle bloom.
This for the Maple leaf, and that for the
southern broom.
The law that ye make shall be law, and I
do not press my will.
Because ye are sons of the blood, and call
me mother still.
OORPORAL ALEXANDER MURRAY
(TwEEDSMtrm)
Machine Gun Coeps.
1919. June 11 (Wednesday).
At Sunderland Military Hospital, on 11th
June, Alexander Murray, Corpl., M.G.C.,
eldest son of David and Isabella Murray,
Bield Cottag'e, Tweedsmuir, and grandson
of the late William Potts, Peebles.
After a period of weakness and ill-health,
following on wounds received in Prance
during the great struggle of March, 1918,
Corporal Alex. Murray, died in Sunderland
War Hospital on Wednesday morning, June
11. Corporal Murray, who was in his 33rd
year, was the eldest son of Mr David Mur-
ray, roadman, Tweedsmuir. He was educa-
ted at Tweedsmuir School, and was after-
wards apprenticed to the groaeTj trade, and
on joining the army he was manager of the
Maypole Dairy Company's branch at Porto-
bello, a position in which he was held in
high regard by his employers. He saw con-
siderable service at home and abroad in the
Machine Gun Corps. Having been shot
through the shoulder, he came home to re-
cuperate, and though the wound healed, and
he was apparently in his usual good health,
he never fully recovered the use of his
arm. An attack of influenza and pneumonia
again laid him low, and finally after a time
meningitis supervened and carried him off.
There can be no doubt that this melancholy
succession of ailments was directly trace-
able to the wound leceived more than a
year since. Corporal Murray was an ideal
176
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
soldier, of fine physique, and possessed of a
singularly happy spirit, and he had many
other admirable qualities befitting not only
the fearless man of war but also the suc-
cessful cultivator of the arts of peace. He
was much liked by the people of his native
glen. Deep sympathy was felt for his par-
ents, who had three sons serving during
most of the war.
By the grace of God and the courage
Of our soldiers far and wide;
By the toil and sweat of those who lived.
And the blood of those who died ;
We have won the fight, we have saved the
right.
For the Iiord was on our side.
We have come through the valley of shadows.
We have won to the light again.
We have smitten to earth the evil thing.
And our sons have proved them men.
But not alone by our might we have won.
For the Lo;d fought in our van.
" He died in hospital on the 8th instant,
after about 10 days' illness. As one of the
oldest officers in this company, I have
known your son ever since he came to this
company in July, 1917. During the whole
of this time he proved himself to be of great
value, and performed all his duties thorough-
ly and conscientiously both in and out of
the line. By his death the company lost a
good soldier, and I wish to express to you
the deepest sympathy of all the officers and
men of the company."
Go down, go down, unweariable feet.
Together we will ii'arch towards the ways
Wherein the marshalled hosts of morning
wait
In sleepless watch, with banners wide un-
furled
To greet the men who lived triumphant days,
And stormed the secret beauty of the world.
As life runs on, the road grows strange
With faces new — and near the end
The milestones into headstones change—
'Neath every one a friend.
PRIVATE JOHN HENDERSON
(Innerleithen)
Machine Gun Corps.
1919. FEBRtTART 8 (Sunday).
Before the war Private Henderson was em-
ployed as a tweed warehouseman by Ballan-
tyne Bros., Innerleithen, and on the outbreak
of war rejoined, after serving for five years,
the local company of Ihe 8th Royal Scots
Territorials. He proceeded to France with
that battalion on November 4th, 1914, and
early in 1916 was invalided home with rheu-
matic fever. He was then transferred to the
32nd Batt. M.G.C., and proceeded to France
with that unit in May, 1917. He was expect-
ing to be demobilised when he fell ill with in-
fluenza, and pneumonia set in, from which he
never recovered. He died on the 8th Feb-
ruary, 1919, and was buried in Belgrade
Cemetery, near Namur.
" I am sorry to inform you that Private
John Henderson died here on the 8th Feb-
ruary, from pneumonia, following influeiizii.
He had every care and the most loving at-
tention. He i.s Ijuried in the beaiitiful
cemetery of Belgrade, near Naniur. I otTor
you my most sincere sympathy in your sad
loss."
SERGEANT DAVID STEVENSON
(Walkerbtibn)
llTH EoYAL Scots.
1919. February 20 (Friday).
He joined up as a Private at Innerleithen
in August, 1914, in the 11th Eoyal Scots, and
was sent to Aldershot for training. Promoted
to the rank of Sergeant in April, 1915, he was
sent to France in May, and was wounded on
September 25, and taken prisoner on Septem-
ber 27, 1915, at the Battle of Loos. He was
sent over to Holland in April, 1918, got home
on sick leave on November 22, 1918, for two
months' furlough, ond was sent to Glencorse
to await his discharge, but died from the
effects of his wounds in Glencorse Military
Hospital on February 20, 1919. He was a
yarn store worker. He joined up at the age
of 19, and died aged 23 years and 8 months.
We stand with one consent to plead — that
here shall spring
Such issue of our labour as may bring
Fresh laurels to the altars that have known
Service of men whose passion might atone
For worlds than this more faithless, men
wliose names
Are very life— aye, swift and urgent flames
Of living are they.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
177
We call them " dead,"
But they look back and smile
At our dead living in the bonds of flesh.
And do rejoice that, in so short a while,
Our souls will slip the leash.
There is no death
To those whose hearts are set
On higher things than this life doth afford:
How shall i.heir passing leave one least regret.
Who go to join their Lord.^
There is gathering in the heavens an
innumerable host
Of the valiant and the noble ones who
count the world well lost ;
The Lord of Hosts had need of them for
the work He has on hand.
Now, like the stars for multitude, they
wait His high command.
PRIVATE MELVIN HUSBAND
(Innerleithen)
Camekon Highlandees.
1919. Febeuary 26 (Thtjusdat)
At 3 Canadian Greneral Hospital, Boulogne,
on 26th February, of bronchial pneumonia.
Private Melvin Husband, eiged 34 years, sec-
ond son of John Husband, contractor, In-
nerleithen ; deeply mourned.
We looked for his returning.
To clasp him by the hand.
But God piostponed that meeting
Till we meet in that better land.
On the 17th November, 1918, the Allied
Armies began their triumphant march to
the Rhine. On the 18th Amej-ican troops
entered Longwy and Briey. and Belgian
troops le-entered Antwerp and Brussels.
On the 19th French troops entered Metz.
On the 21st British troops entered Namur,
and the King of the Belgians returned to
Brussels on November 22.
We heard not the march of the succours
that were coming.
Their old forgotten bngle-calls, the fifes and
the drumming.
But they gathered and they gathered from
the graves where they had lain
A hundred years, hundreds of yeara, on the
old battle plain.
And the young graves of Flanders, all fresh
with dews of mourning.
We have built a house that is not for
time's o'erthrowing.
We hn'.e gained a peace unshaken by pain
forever.
War knows no power. Safe sliall be my
going.
Secretly armed against all death's en-
deavour ;
Safe, though all safety's lost; safe where
men fall.
And if these poor limbs die, safest of all.
PRIVATE WILLIAM M'ARTHUR
EoTAL Field Aetilleet.
1919. March 14 (Friday).
William M'Arthur was born in Eothesay in
1892, and was educated at Dunblane Public
School. He then became an apprentice gar-
dener, and was employed in the gardens at
Stobo Castle, Peeblesshire. Thereafter he
went to Minden, Peebles, to take charge of
the rock garden there established by Sir
Henry Ballantyne. When war broke out,
William enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery
and was trained at Maryhill. Subsequently
he was drafted abroad on foreign service.
During the retreat in Serbia he was missing
for a few days, but eventually succeeded in-
rejoining his battalion after many hardships.
On the Struma front William fought in most
of the engagements, and on one occasion
after dark, his whole gnn-team — men, horses,
gun, and waggon — fell into a shell hole, and
lay there for twelve hours, a waggon wheel
upon his leg. At daylight they were released.
Later he contracted malaria, and was invalid-
ed home. He arrived at Merryflats Hospital,
Govan, on the 9th February, 1918, and after
some months there he recovered sufiiciently
to be sent to his parents' home in Stirling.
In the autumn of 3918 he was able to visit
Peebles, but in the following March he suc-
cumbed to an attack of influenza. His younger
brother, James, was killed in action, and he
had other four brothers serving in the war.
Across the warm, safe Tweeddale fields
The sun brings up his day,
I live my life because in France
You gave your life away.
The sad stars pale, the dawn-wind lifts
The roses on the wall;
Morning, and noon, and sunset-tide.
To you I owe them all.
178
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
So be my passing!
My task accomplished and the long day done,
My wages taken, and in my heart
Some late lark singing,
Let me be gathered to the quiet west.
The sundown splendid and serene,
Death.
Already s^ee our brothers
Build in the tottering fane.
Though France should be a desert,
While love and spring remain.
Men will come back to Arras,
And build and weave again.
So played the pipes in Arras,
Their Gaelic symphony,
Sweet with old wisdom gathered
In Isles of the Highland sea.
And eastward towards Cambrai
Eoared the artillery.
LIEUT-GENEEAL SIR JAMES WOLFE
MURRAY, K.C.B.
(Eddleston)
peeblesshrre's most distinguished soldieb.
a bbilliant military career.
1919. October 17.
It was with the deepest and most pro-
found regret that the inhabitants of Peebles-
shire learned of the death of Lieutenant-
General Sir James Wolfe Murray, K.C.B. ,
which took place with startling suddenness
at Cringletie, the deceased's home, on Fri-
day, October 17, 1919. Sir James had had
the misfortune to meet with a rather ser-
ious accident on the High St:eet of Peebles.
Heturning from church, he had been, it ap-
pears, in the act of stepping off the road-
way on to the pavement at Bank House
corner, at the junction of High Street and
Cuddy Bridge, when he slipped and fell
heavily to the ground, sustaining a fraotuie
of the right thigh, as well as receiving
other injuries and severe shock. He was
conveyed to liis home at Cringletie after
the unforttinate occurrence, and it appeared,
even almast to the hour of his demise, as
if he were making satisfactory progress, but,
as has already been stated, the end came
suddenly, deatli being ascribed to heart
failure.
The sudden death of Lieut.-General Sir
James Wolfe Murray has removed the most
notable figure from our parish and county.
The accident which befel him in Peebles rais-
ed fears in the minds of some, but his rapid
recovery gave confidence. All the greater
was the shock to our feelings when the news
came that he had suddenly passed away. To
pass Ijy the service he rendered to the nation
and Empire without comment in his own Par-
ish Church would be out of place. But it
would be impossible to make anything but a
brief reference here to his many achieve-
ments. The Ashanti War seems an old story
now; it was in 1899 that it took place, but he
w£is there wrestling with the almost incred-
ible difiiculties of the advance through the
jungle. In the South African War he was
General in Command of the line of communi-
cations in Natal, and we knew then, and were
proud to know, how well he accomplished his
work. A grateful country recognised his
ability. His capacity for organisation was
well known, and not for one term only was
he called to take part in the deliberations of
the War Council. He served as Divisional
General in India and later was called to the
command of the Forces in Scotland and in
South Africa. Lord Kitchener, who knew
and trusted him, desired his help at home in
the Great War, and he became Chief of the
Imperial Staff. He was a true soldier, and
gave himself unsparingly to his profession.
He was master of many of the Indian dia-
lects and of Russian. In 1918 he retired from
the Army, and hoped to spend the leisured
evening of his life in his own home — the place
dearest of all the earth to him. He wished
to share our interests, to take part in our
life, and those who knew him can only feel
that he was called away too soon. What I
have said to you cannot convey to you any
idea of the greatness of the man who dwelt
among us. He came from one of the highest
and most responsible posts in the nation to
live with us and share our lives, and he came
with such exceeding modesty, with such de-
precating grace, so recognising our worth and
humbling himself that we might well be par-
doned if we felt flattered in our own self-
esteem. That humility of his was so complete
that he did not scorn to take part in our
local councils, such as the Parish Council and
School Board. This man came from tjie Im-
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
179
perial Staff which conducted the greatest
operations of the greatest war to sit on the
local Management Committee of our school!
The modesty was visible to our eyes, patent
for all to see — a greatness in itself. But that
other greatness of the man who wielded
power, and took and gave counsel in the great-
est Council of our land in the moment of its
greatest trial, we could not know so clearly.
We begin to realise it in its fullness now. He
came of a long line of soldiers, to whom duty
and country were dear names, whose fame
was ever clean, and as one of the greatest of
them he has gone to meet them with his
shield untarnished, with fame added to the
fame of those who had gone before.
Not once or twice in om- fair island story.
The path of duty was the way to glory;
He, that ever following her commands,
On with toil of heart and knees and hands.
Thro' the long gorge to the far light has won
His path upward, and prevailed.
Shall find the toppling crags of Duty scaled-
Are close upon the shining table-lands
To which our God Himself is moon and sun.
Such was he; his work is done.
He is gone who seemed so great —
Gone; but nothing can bereave him
Of the force he made his own
Being here, and we believe him
Something far advanced in State,
And that he wears a truer crown
Than ajiy wreath that man can weave him
Speak no more of his renown.
Lay your earthly fancies down.
And in God's vast Cathedral leave him,
God accept him, Christ receive him.
LANCE-CORPORAL WILLIAM CLEMISON
(Skirling)
1920. Septembee 19.
William Clemison, lance-oorporal. Royal
Highlanders, was born in 1893. He enlisted
at Glenocrse on 20th January, 1916, and was
discharged on 26th September, 1918. He ser-
ved two years 250 days with the Colours, and
was wounded at Salonika on 8th or 9th May,
1917 ; was torpedoed on hospital ship "Rewa"
in January, 1918, and landed at Swansea.
He died at Skirling on 19th September, 1920.
On December 12, 1918, British cavalry
crossed the Rhine and began the occupation
of Cologne, and on the 13th, the Americans
crossed the Rhine and occupied Coblenz.
The night was long and dark, and hard the
way.
But ever to the distant goal you pressed;
Weary and faint, sore stricken in the fray,
But never yet by craven fears distressed.
You kept your living faith, undimmed and
bright.
In Him, your glorious Captain in the fight.
SERGEANT GEORGE ANDERSON
(Newlands)
Royal Scots.
1917. April 23.
OflBcial notice reached Mr and Mrs An-
derson, Stoneykuowe, Newlands, of the death
of their eldest son. Sergeant George Ander-
son, Royal Scots, who was killed in action in
France on the 23rd April, 1917. The sad
news caused quite a gloom in and around
Seigeant Anderson's home, where he was
well known as a thoroughly steady and re-
spectable lad. Before joining the Colours,
the deceased was in the employment of the
County Council. He rallied to his country's
call for men on the 7th September, 1914, and
had been on active service in France since
the 2nd July, 1915. Sergeant Anderson was
in his 23rd year.
The chaplain of Sergeant Anderson's bat-
talion wrote to his parents : —
" You will doubtless have received from
the War Office the sad news of the death
of your son, and on behalf of the officers
and men of this battalion I now writei to
express our sincerest sympathy with you
in the great sorrow that has entered your
home. On the morning of the 23rd of
April, Sergeant Anderson went into action
with his company. The battle was particu-
larly fierce at the time, and the machine
gun fire of the enemy was doing great
damage to our ranks. I understand that
he fell while urging his men forward, and
died instantaneously. I was not with the
battalion at that time, and so did not see
him, but I know he will be buried on the
battlefield, probably quite near to the spot
where he fell. He was a man who was
much respected by all who knew him here.
A good soldier and comrade, he was ever
ready to answer the call of duty, and I be-
lieve willingly laid down his life in the
great cause in which he w£is so nobly
serving. Tihat God will strengthen and
comfort you in your great sorrow is my
sincere and earnest prayer."
180
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE JOHN W. ABMITAGE
(Walkeebuen)
King's Own Scottish Borderees and
8th Eotal Scots.
1918. OcTOBEB 4 (Friday).
At the Alexandria Hospital, Egypt, on the
4th October, Private John W. Armitage, The
Eoyal Scots, beloved husband of Margaret M.
Petrie, Tweedview, Walkerburn.
Private John W. Armitage, Walkerburn,
enlisted in the 8th Royal Scots in February,
1915. After serving about 4 months with the
battalion he was discharged as unfit. Being
made aware of the nature of his trouble lie at
once entered the Edinburgh Eoyal Infirmary,
where he went through an operation. Feel-
ing quite fit by November, he at once offered
himself for re-enlistment, and was accepted,
being placed with the K.O.S.B. On the 1st
March the following year he was sent to
Egypt. He was severely wounded in the oper-
ations against Gaza. On recovery from his
wounds, he was attached to the 1st Garrison
Batt. Eoyal Scots, and was thereafter sent to
Cyprus, w^here he contracted malaria. He
was once more sent back to Egypt, where he
entered hospital at Alexandria, dying a few
weeks later on 4th October, 1918, aged 48
years. I'ta. Armitage was a pattern weaver
previous to enlistment, and resided at Tweed
View, Walkerburn, where his widow and
three boys still are.
But now that you have left your native
country —
(How fair and sweet seems now your native
country,
That " precious stone set in the silver sea.")
Ecmember, though you're far away from
Scotland —
Though you have left your home and friends
in Scotland —
You never can be far away from Me.
You call, and call Me rightly, " Man of
Sorrow " —
(Was ever sorrow like unto my sorrow?)
Yet was it I who gave you heart to jest.
Because I shared with you the weary waiting,
(How well I know the strain and stress of
waiting).
You did your bit, now calmly leave the rest.
What matters Death if Freedom be not dead?
No flags arc fair if Freedom's flag be furled.
Who fights for Freedom, goes with joyful
tread
To moot the fires of Hell against him hurled,
.\nd has for Captain Him whoso thorn-
wreathed head
Smilos from the Cross upon a conquered
world.
CAPT. LACHLAN GORDON BUFF
^TK-\.yUAlK)
1st Bn. Gordon Highlanders.
1914. October. 24.
Captain Lachlan Gordon Duff was born on
January 17, 1880, and was educated at Eton
and Sandhurst. At the age of 19 he joined
the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and
went out to South Africa with them in 1899,
and served throughoiit the campaign. He be-
came Captain in 1904. lie married in 1908
Lydia, daughter of Joseph Pike, D.L., of
Besborough, County Cork. In 1909 he left
the Army and went for three years to the
Agricultural College at Cirencester, where he
particularly studied estate management and
forestry. He afterwaids settled here at Park
House, and helped his father in the manage-
ment of the estate. He was D.L. for Banff-
shire, and was County Commissioner for the
Boy Scouts He was a very good shot, an ex-
cellent rider, and won several point to point
races in Scotland including the cup present-
ed by Lord Grenfell in 1907 for Irish Army
Lightweights. He was very fond of polo. On
the outbreak of war he rejoined, and in Octo
ber, 1914, was sent out to his old regiment,
1st Gordon Highlanders. On October 24, 1914,
he was killed at Fanguissart, near Bethune,
aged 34. He left two sons and a daughter.
He was a grandson of the late Sir Charles
Tennant of the Glen, Traquair.
PTE. GEORGE MORRISON
(Walkebbckn)
King's Own Scotitsh Borderers
Date Unknown.
Pte. Geo. Morrison, K.O.S.B., was employed
as a piecer prior to the war with the late Ool.
Eough (Jas. Dalziel & Co.), Walkerburn. He
belonged to Galashiels (Hunter Square), and
while here stayed with a Mrs Dew, Beattie's
Buildings. He left the mill and was em-
ployed as a surfaceman on the N.B. Eailway.
He joined up as such in 1914.
EPILOGUE.
Who shall name them, this numberless Army H
we know not their number or name.
But we know from the sign on their foreheads
through great tribiilation they came ;
No calendar blazons their triumph with ser-
vice of vigil or feast.
And he that was greatest among them is even
as he that was least ;
They were men in the might of their man-
hood, or boys in tlio beauty of youth,
But they licld all as dust in the balance to
battling for freedom and truth.
We shall .'■ee tliem no more to our sorrow,
they are rapt from the sphere of our pain,
And the sword and the fire and the bullet
shall sear not nor slay thom again ;
Priest and poet, clerk, scholar, and craftsman,
sea-toilers, or sons of the sod,
J'Vom earth, air, and oco;in up-gathered, they
rest in the Garden of God.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
181
Appendix.
THE LAURIES AND THEIR
DESCENDANTS.
A PATRIOTIC STOBO-AUSTBALIAN
FAMILY.
High in the uplands of Stobo parish, and
eight miles west of the town of Peebles, there
is a green hill, beautifully wooded with Scotch
firs, stretching: away to the east and north to-
wards the Castle of Stobo. From the slopes of
this grassy hillside the most entrancing view
in the whole of Tweeddale may be enjoyed.
Each of the four seasons reveals varying phases
of this unique landscape, and all fascinating.
To the south is the forest of Dawyck, with its
immense varieties of trees clothing the sides of
Scrape to its very summit. Between lies the
green and level plain of Drumelzier Haugh,
watered by the meandering Tweed, and enshrin-
ing the grave of Merlin, wizard and seer. At
the foot of the hill may be seen the very altar-
stone at which it is traditionally believed Kenti-
gem received Merlin, the prophet of the Druids,
into the Christian faith. Surrounding and em-
battling the plain are the hills of Trahenna and
Penvalla, Ca^-don and Tinto, all alike, the
fabled subjects of poesy and history.
Near the summit of the hill is the ancient
slate quarry of Stobo, whence for centuries slates
of thick and heavy form were conveyed on
pack-horses as roofing for the dwellings of the
Royal Mile of Edinburgh, its Palace, and the
Castle of Craigmillar. On the west side of the
mountain-path stands the Quarry House, 1,200
feet above sea level, privileged more greatly
than any other habitation in the shire, in pos-
sessing for its sole delectation the magnificent
landscape already mentioned, and in its having
lieen the cradle of the gallant and patriotic
Stobo-Australian clan about to be recorded.
Little did the patriarch and founder of the
family imagine, as he scanned the wooded
groves of Dawyck from his lofty eyrie, that
scions of his house would go forth to war, under
the banner of its titular chief. Viscount Dawyck,
Earl Haig. Yet such is the case.
Before this history properly begins, all we
know is that there wa<s one, by name, " Robert
Laurie, Stobo, widower," who married Grizell
Reid, widow, whose former name was Forrester.
Tlie family, though apparently resident in
Peeblesshire for several generations, were de-
cidedly engendered west of the Nith. Stone
masons by profession, one in particular, a
nephew, rose to prominence in connection with
Liverpool Docks. A member of Mrs Grizzel
Eeid's family inter-married into the family of
the Ettrick Shepherd, James Hogg, whose
nephews and grand-nephews were familiarly
known to many inhabitants of Stobo in the
present day, residing at Stobo Hope Head.
Returning to the Laurie family, it is recorded
that one child only was born of the marriage
of Robert Laurie and Grizzel Reid, namely,
Joseph Laurie, in 1794, known throughout this
narrative henceforth as The Patriarch. Joseph
in due time married Elizabeth MacWhae,
daughter of Thomas MacWhae, known as the
Whistling Miller of Yarrow; and they reared a
family of six sons and one daughter, all Scot-
tish born, residing for a period in Stobo, in the
Quarry House, known then and now as "Cheat
the Beggars." One son at least was born in
that house ; the second, Thomas by name, after-
wards head of the Norvendoc branch, of which
more anon.
The Patriaich, Joseph Laurie and his
family removed from Stobo to West
Linton, where were born his fourth
and fiftli sons, namely, Alexander and
Joseph, afterwards heads of the Rawdon Vale
and Laurieton branches respectively. Finally,
the family removed to Prestonpans.
The eldest child, and only daughter, Janet
Laurie, married John Higgins, a native of
Peebles, elder half-brother of Ebenezer Ander-
son. They became heads of the Berrico branch
of the Lauries. Thus were founded the four
great cadet branches of the house of Laui-ie.
The first to migrate from Scotland to Aup
tralia was this young couple, John and Janet
Higgins : they entered into an engagement with
a Mr Barker, and finally landed in New South
182
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Wales in 1839. setding at Murnmell, in the
district of Goulburn.
The Patriarch, Josepli laurie, being de-
sirous of following his daughter, entered
into an engagement with a Mi- Bal-
four, and landed in Sydney with his
family in 1840. Mr Balfour's venture, for
some forgotten reason, not maturing, Joseph
Laurie took service with the Australian Agri
cultural Company, taking charge of a sheep
station known as " The Seventeen Mile."
The Australian Agricultural Company had ac-
quired an Imperial Grant of one million acres,
in the Port Stephens district, in the early
'twenties, and at this period, 1S40, were at their
zenith, as far as their Port Stephens ©state was
concerned, and were virtually a colony, within
the colony, employing four hundred assigned
servants (convicts) controlled by an efficient
staff, with selected emigrants as overseers.
The agricultural venture having proved un-
profitable, they had turned their attention to
raising a high-grade herd of cattle and Merino
slieep, extending tlieir interests far beyond the
bounds of their estate.
In the early 'forties, John Higgins (son-in-
law of Joseph Laurie) brought his family from
Murnmell, entering the service of the Australian
Agricultural Company, taking charge of the
sheep stations at the " Ten Mile " ; and in 1847
took charge of the " Seventeen Mile," in euc-
cession to his father-in-law, who had been trans-
lated to Norvendoc station, in New England.
Thither came, on landing, Liechardt, the ex-
plorer, on his last long trail, who halted at
Norvendoc station ; and Thomas Laurie, young
and adventurous, was with difficulty prevented
from joining the expedition. Liechardt went
on, to disappear utterly from human ken in the
heart of the Continent.
In 1849 came the tidings of the great gold
find in California, and thither went Thomas
Laurie and his young brother, Alexander, yot
in his teenb (sons of Joseph), with their future
brother-in-law, Herbert, and Walter Kenwick.
fihortly after this the A. A. Company broke "p
their sheep establishment at Port Stepliens, ex-
changing witli the then Colonial Government
two-fifths of their estate for an equal area of
Crown lands in Liverpool Plains, west of the
range, and withdrawing tlicir flocks and herds
within the estate boundaries, gradually merged
their flocks withm the newly acquired eetate.
Joseph Laurie, their father, now leaving the
staff of the A. A. Company, entered on pastoral
pursuits on his own behalf, and in 1850 pur
chased the present family residence, Eawdon
Vale, in the Gloucester district, from the bank-
rupt estate of John Lord. 1851 saw the dawn
of the great Australian gold fields, and Thomas
and Alexander, fresh from California, went to
Forest Creek (Victoria) ; Robert, the eldest, to
Burrein; Andrew, the third son, to Hanging
Rock ; and Joseph (second of the name) , the fifth
son, to the Ovens (Victoria).
With Thomas Laurie (son of the first Joseph)
alluvial gold mining was a hobby, a sort of
happy relaxation from his pastoral cares, his
Californian experiences standing him in such good
stead, that he could place more alluvial gold-
field discoveries to his credit than perhaps any
other miner m the State — Burrend, Louisa
Creek, Maitland Bar, Hanging Rock, and other
fields falling to his lot.
The success of the brothers on the various
gold fields was but the stepping-stone to their
future success. Andrew Laurie (the third of
the brothers, and son of the first Joseph) entered
into negotiations with the then Superintendent,
Mr Blane, of the A. A. Company to purchase a
large tract of freehold land in the vicinity of
their Gloucester head station, but before the deal
could be completed Mr Blane died, and his suc-
cessor, being averse to the sale, compromised
with Andrew Laurie, and gave him two flocks
of sheep, and their right to Norvendoc station, to
forego the bargain. Norvendoc station, perhaps
the finest property on the New England table-
land, now came into the possession of Joseph
Laurie (the first) and his two sons, Thomas and
Andrew, and in after years it devolved upon
Thomas solely.
Thomas Laurie, J.P., the ancestor of the
Norvendoc branch, and second son of the
first Joseph, married Elizabeth, tlxird
daughter of James Kenwick, and his wife,
Janet, nee Kennedy. His sons, of whom
three survive, following in the father's and
graudsire's footsteps, have attained a high
measure of success in pastoral pursuits,
namely, Jo.seph N. Laurie, J. P., of Stobo
House, Kawdon Vale; Thoma.s Albert Laurie,
J. P., of Norvendoc ; and Alexander Laurie,
J. P., of an estate in New England.
The removal of the A. A. Company's flocks
fioni Port Stephens completed the period
of service of John Higgins with the A. A.
Company, and choosing a pastoral life, he
established a station in the Gloucester dis-
trict towards the end of 1859. This property
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
183
on his decease finally passed into the pos-
session (by purchase) of the eldest daughter
of the Noivendoc branch.
The issue of the marriage of John Higgins
and Janet Laurie (only daughter of
the first Joseph), was one son (since de-
ceased) and five daughters. Their grandsons,
John Eobert Higging, J.P., of Falkland, and
Thomas L. Higgins, J. P., of Heatherdale,
b\ecarae prominen(t pastoralists in the
Gloucester district.
The elder, Jolin Eobert, by sheer dint of
cjiaracter, rose to ihig/h psuMio position.
Joseph Laurie (the first) died at Eawdon Vale
in 1881, in his 87th year. Though for many
years a martyr to asthma, in his youth he
was tall and handsome, with those fine dark
eyes peculiar to many of the Southern
Scots; on his death Eawdon Vale passed to
his third sou, Andrew ; and on his retire-
ment from a pastoral life, to his brother
Thomas ; and, finally, at Thomas's death, in
his eighty-fifth year, to hig eldest son, Jos-
eph N. Laurie, the present holder (the sec-
ond Joseph).
Eohert, eldest son of the first Joseph
Laurie, in the early 'sixties, piirchased Kan-
garoo Flat Station, New England, from
Lieut. Eichards, and was resident there up
to the time of his death, aged seventy-four
years ; he had never married. Andrew
Laurie, J.P. ('3rd son of the first Joseph),
retired from a Country life, and became
prominent in Municipal affairs, but dying
at sixty-five, made the first break in the
band of brothers. He had married late in
life, and left no issue. John, the youngest
Bon of the first Joseph, followed farming pur-
suits. Joseph Laurie, J.P., the fifth son of
the first Joseph, was a man of gieat energy
of character, and devoted his life to business
occupations, and in the early 'eighties, in
concert with his brothers Andrew and Alex-
ander, entered into the timber industry, and
founded Laurieton, his future home, on the
Camden Haven Eiver, between the Towering
North Brother Mountain and tlie sea, dying
here about his seventy-second year. He left
a family of two song and four daughters,
which constituted the Laiirieton branch-
Robert liaurie, J. P., of Wollomombi, New
England, and Josepli B. Laurie, of Laurie-
ton (the third Joseph), being the sons. Alex-
ander Thomson Laurie, J.P., was the fourth,
and latest surviving son of the first Joseph
Laurie, and was head of tlie Eawdon Vale
branch, being the owner of Bonny Boon
estate, Eawdon Vale. Choosing pastonal
pursuits as a livelihood, he married Jean
Kennedy Kenwick, youngest daughter of
James Kenwick, in 1854, but lost his young
wife by tetanus in October, 1839, leaving
four infants to his care, two sons and two
daughters; Josepli E. Laurie (the fourth
Joseph), J.P., of Invergordon, grazier, and
James E. Laurie, of Maudville, grazier, be-
ing the sons. Marrying again at a later per-
iod, two sons and one danghter were added
to the family; namely, William N. Laurie,
J. P., of Airlie, grazier, and Alexander E.
Laurie, J.P., of Bonny Doon. Alexander,
their father, died at Bonny Doon in Dec-
ember, 1905, aged seventy-six. He was a
man of many parts, and took a keen interest
in all public affairs.
The Kenwick family, before alluded to, be-
longed to Dumfriesshire. James KenwicJj
had been the tenant farmer of C'ragie, un-
der the Duke of Buccleuch ; his wife was a
Kennedy of Moffat, and through her mother,
Mary Park, a near connection of the African
explorer of the like surname. Emigrating
under engagement to the A.A. Company as a
farming expert, he arrived with his family
of eight sons and four daughters in Port
Stephens in 1839.
In August, 1914, came the Great War, and
the summons to the Colonies fired the imag-
inations of all the bravest and best, and
like fire nnto the heather set, the patriotic
contagion spread, and out of a population of
about 1800 males in the Gloucester district,
from infancy to old age, 450 joined the
A.I.P. The descendants of Joseph Laurie,
the Patriarch of Stobo. Scotland, contributed
twenty-six gallant soldiers towards the de-
fence of the Mother Country. Seven of them
fell; nineteen survived. The four septs of
the Laurie clan contributed thus :— Of the
Laurieton branch, three fell and six sur-
vived; of the Eawdon Vale branch, two fell
and six survived; of the Norvendoo branch,
one fell and four survived; of the Berrico
branch, one fell and three survived. Two of
the Lauries visited Peebles on their fur-
lough during the war, staying with their
cousin, Mrs Thomson, now of 29 Eoeetta
Eoad, but at 10 High Street at the time.
Joseph Laurie, the third Joseph, frequently
visited Peebles and West Linton, intent on
184
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
developing the timber trade with New South
Wales, and was well known to many resid-
ents in that village and in Peebles. Por-
traits and recoi'ds of all the twenty-six
Stobo-Australian patriots follow thig account,
and in order to assist identification, a list
of the original members ot the family of
Joseph the Patriarch of Stobo Quarry is
given. — (1) Janet (Mrs Higgins) founded
the Berrico branch with one son and five
daughters; (2) Eobert, died single; (3)
Thomas, born at Stobo Quarry, founded the
Norvendoc branch, and lived at Stoho
House in New South Wales ; (4) Andrew had
no issue ; (5) Grizell died young ; (6) Alex-
ander Thomson, founded the Rawdon Vale
branch. He was lx)rn at West Linton, and
was called after the Eev. Alexander Thom-
son, U.P. minister in Peebles, being the
first child baptised by him ; (7) Joseph, who
founded the Laurieton branch; he, too, was
lx>rn at West Linton ; (8) John K., no de-
scendants.
Very suitably the badge of the family is
the laurel, with which its members may
well be crowned. The motto is " Virtus
semper ^^^idis " (valour ever green).
This is the story of the descendants of the
Patriarch Joseph Laurie of Stobo, Scotland.
Of the twenty-six who greatly ventured,
seven have passed to the Grreat Beyond. Two
sleep in Belgian Flanders; one on the slopes
of Mount St Quentin ; one by the slumbrous
Nile; and two with the flower of their bat-
talion on the stricken field of Finer Baix.
One only sleeps with his kinsmen at their
home in Australia.
Beyond the Bourne, beyond the pale.
Where grey Valhalla's shadows flit:
They rest where Odin's warriors sit
With dinted helm and rusted mail.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
PRIVATE JAMES INGLIS,
'C" Squadron, 1st Canadian Mounted Eifles.
Private Inglis was a native of Manor Val-
ley, being born at Woodhoiitse, July 19, 1890.
He left the district when quite young. He
was educated at Swanston Soliool, in the
parish of Colinton, and later at Corstorphine,
where his parents still reside. He was barely
twenty when he emigrated t-o Canada, and
was doing well for himself there, but when
the Great War broke out, he, like all the
loyal young hearts, heard the call of the
Motherland, and rallied to her aid.
He joined up on Christmas Day, 1914.
After six months' training, he arrived at
Folkestone, where he got a few days' leave.
Along with his battalion he left for France
on September 22nd, 1915. He was wounded
during his first engagement on October 9th,
and was in hospital until the end of the
year. After that he serve<l continually on
the Ypres front until the great German
offensive against the 'Canadians on June 2iul,
1916. Private Inglis was reported missing be-
tween June 2nd and June .5th. Though every
effort was made no definite news of him was
ever had. The following is a copy of a letter
received from his officer, in answer to one
from his father, requesting news of his son.
France, 6/7/lG.
Dear Sir,— I received your letter re Pte.
Jas. Inglis yesterday. I regret more than
I can say that I have no definite newg of
your son. I am the only oflBcer left of his
company, and there are very few men.
Pte. Inglis was on the left of the company;
that part ^\as cut off very early in the
bombardment. A number of prisoners
were taken, but whether he was among
them I cannot say. If so, he should be
reported soon. That is all I can say, but,
before closing, I should like to add a few
words about the man. He enlisted in the
battalion in Sask. at the start, and was
with us ever since. When I was a troop
officer, he was not in my troop, but I knew
him well. He was always a very popular,
efficient, and steady soldier, who could be
relied upon by his ofiicers to do his duty
on all occasions. It was not until we came
toFrancethat I learned to know him person-
ally, but I have thought a great deal of
him since then. I hope he may be a
prisoner, but am afraid I cannot extend
that hope to you with any great feeling of
assurance that it will be fulfilled. — I am,
yours sincerely,
W. B. Caswell. Capt..
O.C. C Coy.,
1st Can. Mtd. Eifles.
Joseph Laurie, i<TOBO, the Patriarch. The Quarry Hotsf, Stobo.,
1%;
.•*:* V , Jrs
Sfc.-Lieutenant Andrew J. B. Laurie.
Private Alexander Kenneth Laurie.
>
I
'k 'iti
GuNNKtt Thomas IIknkv LAUitri;.
Skhoiiani' Isaac Moouk.
Trooper Alexander Thomson Laurie.
Privvte Alexander Duncax Gordon I>aurie.
Loe.-Cpl. Clifton William Joseph Ladkie.
Trooper Alexander Thomas Lalirie.
Private Iiorert Stanlky Ket.ly.
PKivATi-: OswAi.ij K'Knri Mack ay.
I'kivA'II. \\iii.i\m I.'ihsjii, K'Kii.y.
I'ltnATK MAiiinci': \V loiHiou.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
185
The Records and Portraits of the Descendants of Joseph Laurie, a.d., 1839, Quarry
House, Stoko, Scotland, who enlisted for the War to the number of Twenty-Six,
Nineteen of whom Surviv*.
1.
THE BAWDON VALE BRANCH OF THE LAURIE FAMILY.
The names of those who enlisted and survived are: —
Second Lieutenant Andrew J. B. Laurie, Private Alexander Kenneth Laurie.
Military Medal. Sergeant Isaac Moore.
Gunner Thomas Henry Laurie. Trooper Alexander Thomson Laurie.
The names of those who fell are: —
Private Alexander Duncan Gordon Laurie. Lance-Corporal Clifton William Joseph Laurie.
SEO.-LIEUT. AKDREW J. B. LAURIE.
MiLiTABY Medal.
1st Machine Gun Battalion.
He was the son of Joseph E. Laurie, of In-
vergordon ; great-grandson of Joseph Laurie,
the Patriarch. He enlisted on the 25th April,
1916. He was present at the Battles of Doig-
nies, Lagnecourt, Messines, in France. He
was wounded at Bullecourt on the 7th of May,
1917. Other battles that he was engaged in
were Passchendaele, Meteren, Peronne, Jean-
eourt. He won his commission on the battle-
field, also the Military Medal, September 20,
1918. He w£is a good horseman, a fine all-
round cricketer, and a crack shot. He was
aged then about twenty-eight.
GUNNER THOMAS HENRY LAURIE.
1st Machine Gun Battalion.
He was the son of Joseph N. Laurie, Stobo,
Bawdon Vale, and great-grandson of the Pat-
riarch Joseph Laurie, Stobo, Scotland. He
enlisted in April, 1916, and was wounded at
Tpres when twenty-one years. He finally re-
turned to Australia.
PTE. ALEXANDER KENNETH LAURIE
5Sr.d Battalion, Australian Imperial Force.
He was the fourth son of James E. Laurie,
2
of Maudville, Gloucester, New South Wales;
great-grandson of Joseph Laurie, of Eawdon
Vale, and great-great-grandson of the Patri-
arch Joseph Laurie, Stobo, Scotland. His
great-grandfather was Alexander T. Laurie,
the fourth son of the Patriarch Joseph of
Stobo, Scotland, and this son of the Patriarch
was born at West Linton, Scotland, after the
family had left Stobo for West Linton, in
1839. The fifth son of the Patriarch was also
born at West Linton; his name was Joseph
(the second). Private Alexander K. Laurie
enlisted on September 29, 1916. He was en-
gaged in the Battles of Morlincourt and Per-
onne, at which latter place he v/as severely
wounded on September 1, 1918. He returned
incapacitated to Australia, on the 25th Feb-
ruary, 1919. This district of Gloucester, New
South Wales, held the record for enlistments
— 150 out of a total of 800 males of all ages
having enlisted.
SERGEANT ISAAC MOORE,
10th Machine Gun Battalion, A.I.F.
He was the grandson of Alexander T.
Laurie, of Eawdon Vale, and great-grandson
of the Patriarch Joseph Laurie, Stobo, Scot-
land. The estate of the grandfather bears
the name Bonny Boon. Sergeant Moore re-
turned to Australia in due time.
186
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
TROOPER ALEXANDER THOMSON
LAURIE.
12th Australian Light Horse (Palestine).,
He is styled also Signaller. He was the son
of William N. Laurie, Airlie, Eawdon Vale,
grandson of Alexander Thomson Laurie, and
great-grandson of the Patriarch Joseph
Laurie, Stobo, Scotland. The name " Alex-
ander Thomson " came into the family when
the fourth son of the Patriarch, who was
born at West Linton after the family had left
Stobo, was baptised by the U.P. minister of
Peebles, namely the Rev. Alexander Thom-
son, a man of saintly character, and long
established in Peebles. Signaller Alexander
Thomson Laurie enlisted in April, 1915, at the
age of twenty. He served in Gallipoli, Egypt,
Palestine, and Syria, up to the final capture
of Damascus and surrender of the Turks. He
was never wounded, but suffered much from
malaria.
Here follow the records of those of the
Eawdon Vale branch who fell: —
LOE-CFL. CLIFTON WILLIAM JOSEPH
LAURIE.
13th Batialion, Australian Imperial Force.
He was the fifth son of James R. Laiirie, of
Maudville, Gloucester, New South Wales;
great-grandson of the Patriarch Joseph
Laurie, Stobo, Scotland. He enlisted on the
26th September, 1914, at the very beginning of
the war, when aged twenty-one. He landed
at Anzac (Australian and New Zealand
Allied Countries) on the 26th April, 1915;
was mortally wounded on the 3rd of May, and
died at Alexandria on the 18th May, 1915.
Such is the brief but glorious record of the
very first of the gallant descendants of the
Patriarch Joseph Laurie from Stobo, Scot-
land, to fall.
PTE. ALEXANDER DUNOAN GORDON
LAURIE.
30th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force.
Third and youngest son of Joseph E.
Laurie, of Invergorden, grandson of Alex-
ander Laurie, of Bonny Doon ; and great-
grandson of the Patriarch -Joseph Laurie of
Stobo, Scotland. He enlisted on the 5th of
August, 1915. He landed in France in June,
1916, and was killed in action at Fleur Baix,
on July 19-20, 1916.
II.
THE LAURIETON BRANCH OF THE LAURIE FAMILY.
The names of those who enlisted and survived are : —
Trooper Alexander Thomas Laurie. Private Oswald Keith Mackay.
Private Robert Stanley Kelly. Private Maurice Webber.
Private William Russel Kelly. Private Ronald Bruce Smith.
Trooper Robert Laurie.
The names of those who fell are :-
Private Robert Burns Laurie.
Private Alexander Kelly.
TROOPER ALEXANDER THOMAS
LAURIE.
Isr Australian Light Horse
(Palestine.)
He was the son of Robert Laurie of Will
omombie, and grandson of Joseph Laurie of
Laurieton, and great-grandson of the Patri-
arch, Joseph Laurie of Stobo, Scotland. He
enlisted in 1915 and served in Egypt and in
Palestine throughout the war. His service
continued for tliree years and eight months.
During the whole of that period, he wias
off duty for three weeks only owing to an
attack of fever. Although never wounded,
lie talked of tlie hardships of the desert
campaign as niost severe, and expressed the
opinion that the men who were shot early
in tihe war had the best of *t. Like his
brother, the late Trooper Robert Laurie, he
was an expert horseman. This is accounted
for by the fact that their father was en-
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
187
gaged in pastoral pursuits, and on this ac-
count, were reared in the saddle. After Ms
return from the war, Trooper Laurie was
appointed manager of a cattle station in the
Coastal district of New South Wales.
PRIVATE ROBERT STANLEY KELLY.
Australian Impbeial Fobce.
One of three brothers who enlisted. He
was the son of Robert Kelly, grandson of
Joseph Laurie of Laurieton, and great-grand-
son of the Patriarch Joseph Laurie of Stobo,
Scotland. He served in Egypt and after-
wards in France. He was slightly woiinded,
and spent some weeks in hospital in that
country. E«turning >to the lines, he took
part in several important engagements, but
was again wounded; this time desperately,
by an enemy bomb bursting at his feet.
He was left foi' dead by his comrades, but
later recovered consciousness some hours
afterwards, and in the darkness crawled a
distance of three hundred yards and re-
gained his own lines. It wag a gruesome
experience thus proceeding slowly over the
bodies of the dead on that terrible night.
After spending many months in British
Hospitals, Private Kelly was finally sent
back to Australia
PRIVATE WILLIAM RUSSEL KELLY.
Australian Imperial Force.
One of three brothers who enlisted. He
was the son of Eobert Kelly, grandson of
Joseph Laurie of Laurieton, and gieat-grand-
son of the Patriarch Joseph Laurie of Stobo,
Scotland. He enlisted in 1915, and served
in Egypt and later in France. In 1916 he
was wounded in France. This rendered
him unfit for further service abroad, and he
thereupon served in Britain for the re-
mainder of the war.
Alexander, the third of the Kellys, died of
influenza, and will be noticed later.
PRIVATE OSWALD KEITH MACKAY.
Australian Imperial Force.
He was the son of William Mackay, grand-
son of Joseph Laurie of Lauiieton, and
great-grandson of the Patriarch Joseph
Laurie of Stobo, Scotland. He enlisted in
1916 at the age of eighteen, and served in
Egy^t and in France. While in France he
was attached to the Lewis Gun Section. At
BuUecourt, he received a severe shrapnel
wound in the leg, and was sent to B itain,
where he remained for twelve months. He
then returned to France, but ^^^^ iii the
lines for a few days when he was gassed
severely. For this he was sent back to
Britain, and was back again on duty in
France when the last German offensive be-
gan. He was among the first to enter Per-
onne, when the Australians retook that town
for the last time. After the Armistice, Pri-
vate Mackay continued with the Army of
Occupation for some time, and was then
sent back to Australia; arriving theie on
the day when peace was being celebrated
throughout the Empire.
PRIVATE MAURICE WEBBER
Australian Imperial Force.
He was a grandson of Mrs E. Cameron,
Laurieton, and great -great-giandson of the
Patriarch Joseph Laurie of Stobo, Scotland.
He wag thus the youngest descendant of the
founder of the family, being a grandson
doubly great. He, like the Kellys, was also
a grandson of Eobert Kelly. He enlisted at
the age of eighteen in 1916, and served in
France throughout the war. He won through
unhurt, ^ind returned to Australia.
RONALD BRUCE SMITH
Australian Imperial Force.
He was the son of Samuel Smith, grand-
son of Joseph Laurie of Laurieton, and great-
grandson of the Patriarch Joseph Laurie of
Stobo, Scotland. He enlisted in 1917 im-
mediately on arriving at military age. After
completing his course of training, he sailed
for Britain, and proceeded shortly after-
wards to France, where he took part in
most of the fighting right up to the signing
of the Armistice. He came through the
whole campaign unscathed, and returned to
Australia.
188
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Here follow the records of those of the
Laniieton. branch who fell : —
TROOPER ROBERT LAURIE
Australian Light Hoese.
He fell at the close of 1918. He was the
son of Robert Laurie, grandson of Joseph
Laurie of Laurieton, and great-grandson of
the Patriarch Joseph Laurie of Stobo, Scot-
land. He enlisted early in the war, and
served for two and a half years in Egypt and
in Palestine. He suffered sevei-ely from the
bursting of a shell, and from a fall from
his horse in endeavouring to escape from
a Turkish ambush. The hardships of the
desert entailing sixteen hours daily in the
saddle proved too much for his constitu-
tion, and he was invalided home to Australia
some months before the signing of the
Armistice. By that time he was a physical
wreck, and passed away in a few months
in his sleep, at the age of 34, and was
buried with military honours in the ceme-
tery of Armadale, Australia.
PRIVATE ROBERT BURNS LAURIE*
36th Battalion, 9th Bbigade,
Australian Imperial Foece.
1917. June 12 (Fell).
He was the son of Joseph B. Laurie, grand-
son of Joseph Laurie, the pioneer of the
town of Laurieton, and gi eat-grandson of
the Patriarch Joseph Laurie of Stobo, Scot-
land. His grandfather was tlie firstb man
to introduce New South Wales hard woods
to overseas' markets in 1888, and frequently
visited Peebles and West Linton when visit-
ing Britain. The father of this Joseph was
Ixirn at West Linton, after the first Joseph
had left Quarry House, Stobo, Scotland.
Robert Burns enlisted in his twentieth
year, having been engaged studying at the
Teachers' College previously. He spent part
of his furlough in Peebles with his relative,
Mrs Thomson, a daughter of old Robert
Rankine, and intended paying her and her
husband another visit. Mortally wounded
at Messines, three months after landing in
France, he passed away at the age of twenty
years and nine months. Fuller details are
given in the body of the volume under date
1917, June 12. '
PRIVATE ALEXANDER KELLY
Australian Imperial Force
1918. December 2 (Died or Influenza).
He was the youngest son of Robert Kelly,
grandson pf Joseph Laurie lof Laurieton,
and great-grandson of the Patriarch Joseph
Laurie of Stobo, Scotland. He enlisted in
1916, and went direct to Britain for train-
ing; thereafter to France. He was only a
short time in the trenches when he was
wounded. After returning to duty, he
served again up till the signing of the
Armistice, and continued with tiie Army of
Occupation in Germany. Unfortunately, he
contracted influenza pneumonia and died at
the Casualty Clearing Station two days
later. His two elder brothers survived and
returned to Australin.
111.
THE NORVENDOC BRANCH OF THE LAURIE FAMILY.
The names of those who enlisted and survived are: —
Private Thomas Laurie. Private John Andrew Mclntyre.
Private James Christopher Mclntyre. Private Charles Alexander Mclntyre.
The name of him who fell is : —
Corporal Albert Kingston Laurie, Military Medal.
PRIVATE THOMAS LAURIE
Australian Imi-erial Fobce.
He was the eldest son of Alexandei- A.
Laurie, of Mulierindie. groat grandson of
Joseph Laurie the Patriarch, Stobo, Scotland.
The following note was received concerning
this patriotic lad : — " I cannot help but ad-
mire his modesty in so far as ho makes no
EoNALD Bkcce Smith.
Peivate Eobeet BuENf Laurie.
Private Alexander Kelly,
Stobo and Australia.
Private Thomas Laurie.
Private John Andrew JNIcIntyre.
I'ltivAiK .Ja.mls Ciuu.Hioi'iiKii McIntyiie.
Coiu'ORAL CiiARi-Es Alexander McIntyre.
'*x^
■:m.ms:^. .1,,
Lance-Corporal Albert Kingston Laurie, M.M.
Lance-Corporal Nokman W. Gunn.
Bombardier Herbert Terras Higgins.
Private Williaji Joseph Gdnn.
PmvATE Wii.LiAji Bruce JIiggin.-^.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
189
claim personally for inclusion among his re-
latives. However, I am in a position to state
that he was most anxious to enlist in the ear-
lier stages of the war, but failed to obtain
his parents' consent on account of his ex-
treme youth. He eventiially prevailed, and
obtained their consent to enlist before he had
attained his majority, and was on the poiut
of sailing when the Armistice was sigaed."
PTE. JAMES OHEISTOPHER McINTYRE
20TH BATTAIilON. AUSTEAIIAN IMPERIAL FoBCE,
He was the son of Mrs M. Mclntyre, bom Hig-
gins, and the late Christopher Mclntyre. He
was the grandson of John Higgins, of Ber-
rico, whose wife was Janet, the only daugh-
ter of Joseph Laurie, Stobo, Scotland, the
Patriarch. Private James Christopher Mcln-
tyre, Australian Imperial Forces, was born at
Stroud, Port Stephens, New South Wales, in
1879; educated at Winghain in the same pro-
vince, and continued farming until his en-
listment in the Australian Imperial Forces.
He was retained on home service at first, and
left Queensland on the 12th of June, 1917, for
the front, with the reinforcements for the
25th Battalion. He sailed from Sydney on
H.M.S. Horantoa, and was disembarked ten
weeks later, arriving at headquarters on the
20th August, 1917. The troops with which he
was associated embarked for France in April,
1918, and went straight up to the front lines
for the defence of Amiens. He was gassed on
the 23rd of May, 1918, at Merricourt, near
Albert. He was sent to Birmingham No. 1
War Hospital, where he recovered, and was
discharged fit and returned to France on Sep-
tember 21. Private Mclntyre continued in
action thereafter until the 3rd of October,
which was the last day on which the Austra-
lian Infantry was in action. This was at
Bean-au-avor, near the Belgian border. He
was stationed at Beauficourt, about twenty
kilos from Amiens, when the Armistice was
signed. He took part in the march to the
Ehine, as far as Charleroi, which was as far
as the unit went, and continued until July,
1919, with the Eecords Section. Apart from
this period (from December, 1918, till July,
1919), he served with the 25th Battalion the
whole time. He embarked for Australia on
the 23rd July, 1919, on board the ss. Ulysses,
arriving at Brisbane on the 27th September,
1919, after two years eighty-six days' service.
Thereafter he continued on home defence.
PRIVATE JOHN ANDREW McINTYRE
15th Battalion, 4th Brigade, A.I.F.
He also was a son of Mrs M. Mclntyre,
born Higgins, and the late Christopher Mcln-
tyre, grandson of John Higgins, of Berrico,
whose wife was Janet, only daughter of
Joseph Laurie, Stobo, Scotland, the Patri-
arch. He was born at Winghain on the Man-
ning Eiver, and was educated at Scone
School. He enlisted at Lismore in Septem-
ber, 1914, and embarked for active service
from Melbourne on board H.M. Troopship
Ceramic on the 22nd December, 1914. He dis-
embarked at Alexandria, Egypt, but return-
ed to Australia on board H.M. Troopship
Themistocles in September, 1915, being found
unfit for further service owing to rheumatic
fever, contracted while on active service in
Egypt. He was discharged in December, 1916.
GPL. CHARLES ALEXANDER McINTYRE
8th QdEENSLAISID GeNEEAI, bEEVICE
Eeinforcements .
Aged twenty-six years. Occupation, chief
clerk. The English, Scottish and Austra-
lian Bank, Brisbane. He was also
the son of Mrs Mclntyre, bom Hig-
gins, and the late Christopher Mclntyre,
grandson of John Higgins, whose wife was
Janet, only daughter of Joseph Laurie, the
Patriarch, Stobo, Scotland. Charles Mcln-
tyre was born near Kempsey, New South
Wales, and was educated at West Maitland
Superior Public School. He was rejected for
service with the A.I.F. in September, 1915.
He re-enlisted on the 2nd of May, 1918, and
embarked for active service from Sydney on
board H.M. Troopship Carpentaria in Nov-
ember, 1918. He was recalled while on the
sea owing to the signing of the Armistice,
and transhipped at Auckland to ss. Riverina.
He returned to Australia, and was discharged
on the 28th December, 1918, owing to cessa-
tion of hostilities.
190
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
LOE.-OPL. ALBERT EINOSTON LAURIE
MiLITAET MEDA.L.
He was the eldest son of J. N. Laurie, Stobo,
Eawdon Vale, great-grandson of Joseph Laurie,
Stobo, Scotland. He enlisted in March, 1915,
in the 18th Battalion, A.I.F. He was wound-
ed three times, and gained the Military
Medal at Bullecourt, for conspicuous bravery
in the field in October, 1916. He fell at Mont
St Quentin on the 31st Augrust, 1918, aged
twenty-four years. He gained the Military
Medal for a very daring and enterprising
act. He and a fellow scout captured a Ger-
man observation post, and after putting the
Germans out of action, one seized the tele-
phone instrument and gave the order in Ger-
man to open fire on a certain trench, saying
that the Australians had captured it. The
German artillery thereupon opened a heavy-
fire on their own crowded trench, and caused
heavy losses among their own men. Private
Laurie was ofl^ered a commission on several
occasions, but refused always, saying that he
preferred to continue a " Digger." He met
his end thus: — He and his two companions
volunteered to get a gun which was giving
them great trouble. They managed to silence
it, but all the tJiree gallaat boys were killed
in their great enterprise.
IV.
THE BERRICO BRAUCH OF THE LAURIE PAMHY.
The names of those who enlisted and survived are : —
Bombardier Herbert Terras Higgins. Private William Joseph Gunn.
Lance-Corporal Norman W. Gunn.
The name of him who fell is ;
Private William Bruoe Higgins.
BOMBARDIER HERBERT TERRAS
HIGQINS.
38th Battalion, Australian Field
Aetillebt, 4th Division, A.I.F.
He was the son of John Robert Higgins
(and Elizabefh, a daughter of Thomas
Laurie); grandson of John Higgins, jun.,
and great-grandson of John Higgins, sen.,
who married Janet Laurie, only daughter of
the Patriarch Joseph Laurie, Stobo, Scotland.
At the age of nineteen lie enlisted and was
attached to the 1st Light Horse, and served
for four months in Egypt. He then vol-
unteered for artillery service in France, and
was wounded on the 20th September, 1917,
at Menin Road. He was then invalided to
Britain. Herbert Higgins rejoined his unit
in January, 1918, and was wounded for the
second time, severely, at Armentieres on
the 8th of August, 1918. This resulte<] in
bis being again sent to hospital in Britain,
and continued there until the Armistice was
Higned. On the 4th .January, 1919, he re-
turned to Australia in the Hospital Ship
" Morvana." His length of service was
Hiree years seven months.
LANCE-CORPORAL NORIiIAN W. GUNN.
21ist General Service Reinfoeckments.
He wag the son of John Guna of Barring-
ton, grandson of Norman Bell, great-grand-
son of John Higgins, and great-great-grand-
son of the Patriarch Joseph Laurie, Stobo,
Scotland.
PRIVATE WILLIAM JOSEPH GUNN.
1st Pioneer Training Battalion.
He was the son of John Gunn of Barring-
ton, grandson of Norman Bell, great-grand-
son of Norman Higgins, and great-great-
grandson of the Patriarch Joseph Laurie,
Stobo, Scotland.
PRIVATE WILLIAM BRUCE HIGGINS.
30th Battalion, r>TH Division, A.I.F.
He was the son of Thomas Lavers Higgins,
.)f Heatherdale, Gloucester, grandson of Jolm
Higgins, junior, great-grandson of John Hig-
gins, senior, wlio married Janet, the only
daughter of the old Patriarch Joseph Laurie,
Stobo, Scotland.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
193
Index to Book I.
Aitcbison, James, Private. 1916, Oct. 15
Aitkeu, James, and Family. 1915, May 7
Aitken,' James T. 1916, July 2
Anderson, James, Trooper. 1915, Dec. 25
Ballantyue, William, Second Lieut. 1915,
October 13
Barr, William, Private. 1916, July 16 .
Bartleman, William, Private. 1915, May 3
Bell, Jolm, Sapper. 1916, May 21 .
Bell, J. T. Scott. 1915, September 30 .
Bell, William, Sergeant. 1917, January 27
Benson, Mark, Private. 1917, April 14 .
Bertram G., Sergeant. 1916, July 14
Bertram, T., Lance-Cpl. 1916, July 14 .
Bertram, William, Private. 1917, Jany. 25
Biggar, Arthur, Private. 1916, Sept. 15
Borthwiek, T., Private. 1915, Sept. 26 .
Boyd, G. P. E., Lieut. 1916, October 19
Burnett, Adam, Private. 1915, June 28 .
Brown, Alex. C, Private. 1916, May 21 .
Brown, Tom W., Private. 1916, Dec. 6 .
Campbell, Arthur, Private. 1915, Jany. 20
Campbell, James, Private 1917, .\pril 9
Campbell, William, Sergeant. 1915, May
16
Carmichael, Alex. D. C, Sub-Lieut. 1916,
August 18
Chalmers, G., Private. 1917, April 1:
Clark, John. 1915, August 30 .
Clarke, Walter, Private. 1916, May 9 .
Cleghorn, William, Sergeant. 1914, Nov
27
Ccckburn, G., Gunner. 1916, October 27
Constable, D. 0., Lieut. 1916, Sept. 25
Crawford, Hugh, ^Sergeant. 1915, Nov. 10
Dalgleish Tom, Private. 1915, Oct. 19
Davidson, David F., Private. 1914, Dec
22
Dick, J., Private. 1915, April 22-26
Dickson, Arch., Private. 1916, April 22
Doherty, Andrew, Sergeant-Major. 1916
March 18
Douglas, G. M.. Private. 1917, April 9
Dougla,s, William, Lce.-Cpl. 1915, Sept. 26
Dove, Andrew Amos, Corpl. 1916, Sept
17
Drudge, W. H., Private, 1915, Nov. 24
Egan, Edward, Trooper. 1914, Oct. 21 .
r.\(iE
65
11
44
.33
29
47
1)
41
2V)
73
80
45
46
73
58
25
66
17
40
70
5
13
54
80
23
39
4
68
61
31
30
3
7
38
36
78
27
58
32
■2
PAGE
Fairbairn, E., Private. 1915, Sept. 25 . 27
Ferguson, D. M. G., Second Lieut. 1915,
May 14 . . . . . 12
Ferguson, Ian A. G., Captain. 1916, May
12 40
Forrest, H., Private. 1916, April 18 . 37
Freckelton, G. E., Private. 1915, May 2 8
Gardner, Thomas, Lce-Cpl. 1915, May 16 13
Graham, J. O., Sergeant. 1915, June 19 15
Gray, Andrew, Second Lieut. 1915, May
9 11
Hall, James, Private. 1915, June 28 . 18
Hall, William, Lce-Cpl. 1917, Feby. 28 75
Henderson, G. G., Private, 1915, May 29 15
Hume, G., Lce.-Cpl. 1916, July 12 . 44
Hume, John, Private. 1916, July 22 . 49
Hume, Robert, Private. 1916, May 3 . 39
Inck, John, Private. 1915, September 25 24
Iii-lis, Alex,, Lieut. 1917, April 11 . 79
Inglis, Arch., Sapper. 1916, July 24 . 42
Inglis, William, Private. 1917, March 22 75
Jervis, Eobert N., Lieut. 1916, Jany. 5 . 34
Johnston, D., Sergeant. 1916, July 14 . 46
Ketchen, John, Trooper. 1915, Nov. 19 . 31
Knapp, Andrew, Private. 1915, Nov. 30 69
Laidlaw, William, Private. 1916, Aug. 4 61
Lawrie, Alex. D. G., Private. 1916, July
19-20 49
Lawrie, C. W. J., Lce.-Cpl. 1915, May 18 14
Lees, R., Bombardier. 1916, Nov. 13 . 63
Lennie, James, Private. 1916, August . 57
Lister, Charles A., Lieut. 1915, August 28 23
Little, G. R., Private. 1917, March 21 75
Lorimer, James, Private. 1916, Sept. 25 63
Lowrie, Andrew, Private. 1915, Nov. 4 . 30
Luke, G,, Private. 1915, October 3 . . 29
Lunn, G., Lce.-Cpl. 1916, July 14 . .45
Macdonald, John, Private. 1916, Aug, 18 53
Macfadyen, John, Private. 1917, Feby. 22 74
Maoglashan. D., Gunner. 1915, June 23 . 16
Mackie, William, Private. 1915, Sept. 25 24
McNaught, James, Second Lieut. 1917,
January 7 . . . . .72
Maclachlan, Charles, Private. 1916, Aug.
19 5C
Macvey, Hugh, Private. 1915, Sept. 25 . 26
Macguire, John, Private. 1914, Sept. 26 2
Mason, Robert, Private. 1915, July 12 . 18
19i
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
:M;nile, Dickson, Sergeant. 1917, April
^Melrose, R., Private. 1916, September 20
:\[iller, T. A. G., Lieut. 1915, April 25 .
Moritz, Oscar F., Lieut. 1916, July 27
Murray, Albert, Lce.-Cpl. 1015, Dec. 31
Murray, Wolfe, G., Lieut. R.N. 1916,
October 12
Nelson, Thomas A., Captain. 1917, April 9
Nichol, R., Private. 1915, September 25 .
Oliver, Edward, Sergeant. 1916, Feby. 24
Overend, Robert, Sapper. 1916, Dec. 6 .
Park, G., Private. 1916, October 20
Parker, William, Postal Rifles. 1915,
June 27
Preston, R., Private. 1916, June 7 .
Pretswell, John, Private. 1916, Dec. 30
Pringle, Joshua, Private. 1916, June 13
Redpath, James, Ser.seant. 1916. Sep. 20
Eichardson, Joseph W., Corporal. 1916,
July 26
Riddell, Malcolm, Lce.-Cpl. 1916, July 27
Ritchie, John, Private. 1916, September 1
Roberts, Andrew B., Private. 1915, March
11
Robson, William, Private. 1916, Oct. 11
Russell, G., Private. 1914, October 22-24
Sandemau, D. E., Major. 1915, April
24-26
Scott, Joliu, Private. 1914, September 10
Scott, Robert, Private. 1915, September 26
Scott, Thomas, Private. 1917, April 11-13
Scott, William Young. 1916, November 18
Scott, William J., Seaman. 1915, Jauy. 19
Scougall, Alex., Col.-Sergt. 1915, May 3
Scrapie G., Corporal. 1915, December 24
Sievwright, John, Private. 1915, June 3
Stnail, Adam, Private. 1915, July 12
Smith. Arch. J.. Private. 1915, March 17
PA(5E
76
59
S
50
33
65
77
27
35
71
67
17
42
72
42
60
49
50
57
64
4
7
1
28
79
69
3
9
32
15
18
PAGE
SoraerviUe, G., Lce.-Cpl. 1915, Nov. 25 32
Stevens, W. W., Private. 1917, April 2 . 76
Stewart, Alex. Shaw, Lce.-Cpl. 1916, July
27 .50
Stirling, W., Private. 1916, December 24 71
Stuart, Edmund Maxwell, Lieut. 1916,
April 26 38
Stuart, J. Maxwell, Lieut. 1916, March 2 35
Tait, Ralph, Private. 1915, May 16 . 12
Telfer, William, Private. 1916, October 1 64
Tennant, Edward W., Lieut. 1916, Sep-
tember 22 61
Tennant, Mark, Lieut. 1916, September . f3
Teniient, W. Private. 1916, September 3 57
Thomson, Thomas, Private. 1915, July 12 18
Thorburn, James, Captain. 1917, Feby. 11 71
Thorburn, James C, Private. 1916, May
21 41
Tliorburn, William, Private. 1915, March
22 70
Tadliope, T., Second Lieitt. 1915, Sept. 25 25
Tui-nbull, G, Sergeant. 1915, May 12 . 70
TiirnbuU, James, Lce.-Cpl. 1915, March
17 6
Tweedie, Private. 1916, December 6 . 70
Walker, Charles C, Captain. 1914, Aug.
26 1
Walker, John A., Private. 1916, July 20 48
Watson, William, Private. 1916, Oct. 24 67
Watson, W. D., Lce.-Sergt. 1915, Sep-
tember 25 ■'^5
Weir, William, Private 1916, July 1 . 43
Welsh, David H., Private. 1916, Aug. 14 52
Welsh, Tom, Cfcptain. 1915, July 12 . 19
Wilson, Hugh, Private. 1916, December 1 69
AVood, Andrew R., Corporal. 7916, July 1 44
Wyper, T., Private. 1916, July 19, . 47
Young, G. S. H., Private. 1915, July 13 22
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
195
Index to Book II.
PAGE
Addison, William, Private, 1917, July 22 92
Aird, Alexander, Private. 1917, May 6 S6
Aitken, James, Private. 1917, Nov. 13 117
Aitken, William, Corporal. 1918, May 20 139
Amos, James, Signaller. 1918, October 6 167
Anderson, George, Sergeant. 1917, April
23 179
Armitage, John W., Private. 1918, Oct. 1 180
Awburn, E. J. 1918, August 11 . . 151
Baifrie, W., Private. 1917, November 30 117
Ballantyne, John, Private. 1918, Sept. 30 167
Bartholomew. G. H. P., Captain. 1917.
October 12 107
Bartleman, T. E., Second-Lieut. 1917,
September 6 100
Berry, J. B., Sergeant 1918, May 31 . 142
Biggar, D. F., Private. 1918, August 11 152
Birnie, T., Sapper. 1918. April 14 . . 134
Blake, G., Private. 1918, May 2 . . 138
Blaikie, E., Private. 1918, April 26 . 137
Booth, P. D., Captain. 1917, December 1 119
Brodie, W. L.. Lieut.-Col. 1918, Aug. 23 155
Brown, T.. Lce.-Cpl. 1917. August 6 . 95
Brown, W., Private. 1918, April 11 . 133
Brunton, John, Private. 1917, May 13 87
Burnett, J., Private. 1918, April 10 . 132
Burton. Alex., Gunner. 1918, April 10 132
Burton, John, Gunner. 1917, October 19 110
Calder, James, Private. 1918, April 9 . 131
Cameron, Tom, Private. 1917, May 11 So
Campbell, Tom. 1918, November 12 . 171
Carrie, James, Private. 1918, Nov. 2 . 170
Clark, J. B., Private. 1918, July 29 . 148
Clark, John Y., Private. 1917, Nov. 12 116
Clemison, William, Lce.-Cpl. 1920, Sep-
tember 19 179
Cochrane, E., Sergeant. 1918, August 12 150
Cockburn, T., Private. 1918, Octolier 23 168
Cole, E. J.. Sergeant. 1917. April 25 . 83
Collier, J., Private. 1918, April 7 . .130
Dalgleish, Walter, Private. 1917, No%'-
ember 6 116
Dargie, G., Lce.-Cpl. 1917, July 31 . . 93
Dickson, .James, Private. 1917, Nov. 2 . 114
Dickson, E., Major. 1918. May 27 . . 140
Doherty, John, Q.-M. Sergeant. 1918,
March 22 126
Douglas, E., Bombardier. 1918, Feb, 18 122
PAGE
Duff, Lachlan G., Captain. 1914, Oct. 24 180
Duffy, Eobert, Private. 1917, April 20 81
Duncan, Arthur N.. Cpl. 1918, Sept. 2 161
Eckford, W., Private. 1917, Sept. 16 . Iu3
Elliot, Walter, Private. 1918, Dec. 11 . 173
Ellis, John T., Private. 1917, Sept. 20 104
Fairbairn, P., Private. 1917, Jxily 16 . 93
Ferguson, Charles H., Gunner. 1918,
December 14 174
Forgie, John, Private. 1918, January 15 121
Forsyth, W. E. W., Private. 1918. Sep-
tember 29 165
French, E., Sergeant. 1917, October 22 112
Fullerton, T., Sapper. 1917, October 11 109
Geddes, Andrew B., Private. 1918, July
23 145
Gillespie, .John, Warrant Officer. 1917,
Decemlier 17 120
Goodfellow, John, Private. 1917, May 19 88
Graham, J., Lce.-Cpl. 1918, Septemlier 22 164
Grant E., Private. 1918, September 15 . 162
Gray, Alan T., Flight Sub. -Lieut. 1917,
August 16 96
Green, Francis, Private. 1917, Sept. 17 103
Grierson, John, Second-Lieiit. 1918,
March 21 124
Gunn, Norman W., Lce.-Cpl. . . .190
Gunn, William Joseph, Private. . . 190
JIall, Eobert I., Corporal. 1918, May 27 141
Hamilton, E., Private. 1918. April 25 136
Henderson, B. H. B., Lieutenant. 1918
June, 18 143
Henderson, John, Private. 1919, Feb. 8
Henderson, T., Private. 1917, May . 85
Heiifihilwood, T., Comp. Sergt. -Major.
1917, May 16 87
Higgins, Herbert T., Bombardier . . 190
Higgins, W. B., Private. 1917, July 19 92
Higgins, William B., Private. 1917, July
19 190
Hogg, William, Private. 1918, Aug. 18 153
Hope, William, Private. 1918, Oct. 9 . 167
Howard. Stewart C, Driver. 1918, Aug.
22 154
Hume, Thomas A., Private. 1917. Oct. 22 110
Tlunnam, George, Private. 1918, Aug. 31 159
Hunter, Christopher, Private. 1917, Nov-
ember 17 117
196
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Hunter, G. W., Private. 1917, Aug. 11 . 96
Hunter, William, Private 1918, Januaij 123
Husband, Melvin, Private. 1919, Feb. 26 177
Inglis, R. D., Private. 1918, Sept. 18 . 163
Ireland, L!., Private. 1917, September 2U 104
Jauiieson, U., Signaller. 1017, Deo. 25 . 121
Keen, William, Private. 1918. April 21 13.
Keitli, Fred, Private 1917, August 1 . 94
Kelly, Alex., Private. 1918, March 22 . 126
Kellv, Ales., Private. 1918, December 2 175
Kelly, Alex., Private. 1918, December 2 188
Kelly, Eobert Stanley 187
Kelly, William Russel . . . .187
Kerr, George, Private. 1917, October 1 11)6
Laurie Family and ils Branches . . 181
Laurie, Albert Kingston, Lance-Cpl. . 161)
Laurie, Albert Kingston, Lce.-Cpl. 1918,
August 31 190
Laurie, Alex. Duncan Gordon, Private. 4-3
1916, July 19-20.
Laurie, Alex. Keuiuth, Private ■ ■ ^^'>
Laurie, Alex. Thomson, Trooper . . 186
Laurie, Andrew, Second-Lieut. . . I80
Laurie, Clifton William Joseph, Lce.-
Cpl. 1915, May 18 186
Laurie, Robert, Trooper. 1918, end . 174
Laurie, Robert, Trooper. 1918, end . 188
Laurie, Poliert Burns, Private. 1917,
June 12 89
Laurie, Robert Burns, I'rivate. 1917,
June 12 188
Laurie, Thomas, Private. . . . 188
lyaurie, Thomas Henry, Gunner. . . 185
Lawton, Eobert, Private. 1917, April 28 84
Lind, W., I'rivate. 1917, April 28 . . 81
Lockie, A. W., Private. 1917, May 14 . 87
Logie, John, I'rivate. 1917, April 23 . 81
McArthur, William, Private. 1919,
March 14 177
McCulcheon, A., Private. 1918, April 15 135
MacdoiiakI, I'eter, I'rivate. 1918, March
22 125
MoCran, I'atriclc, Pii\a1.-, 1917, May 1 85
McOlaslian, D., Fariicr ('iil. 1917, Oct.
12 109
MoGlasson, J. W., Sergeant. 1918. April
12 134
Mclntyre, Charles Alex., Cpl. . . 189
Mc^Inlyre, James Chri,stophpr, I'livale 189
Mclntyre, J., Comp. Sergt.-Wa.jor. 1918,
September 19 168
Mclntyre, Jolin Andrew, Private. . 189
Mackay, D. J., Kitlcinan. 1917, Oct. '.W IK)
PAGE
Mackay, Oswald, Keith, Private. . . 187
Mackenzie, K., Captain. 1918, Aug. 27 158
Maclennan, J. A., Gunner. 1918, Mar. 22 125
McMartin, John, Private. 1917, Aug. 1 94
McMorran, John, Private. 1917, Oct. 19 109
Alclntosh, W. Private. 1917, October 30 114
Maepherson, J. A. C. 1918, August 11 . 152
Mallen, D. M. 1918, September 21 . 164
Mathieson, T., Private. 1917, Nov. 2 . 115
Mathieson, W., Private. 1917, April 28 85
Miller, Arch. B., Lieut. 1917, July 13 . 91
Mirtle, H. Private. 1917, October 22 . Ill
Mitchell, R., Private. 1918, April 11 . 133
Moore. Isaac, Sergeant 185
Morrison, George, Private. . . . 180
Muir, John W., Second-Lieut. 1918,
March 12 123
Murray, Alex., Cpl. 1919, June 11 . 175
Murray, Arthur A. Wolte, Brigadier-
General. 1918, December 7 . . 173
Murray, Sir James Wolte, Lieut.-General.
1919, October 17.
Murdie, T. J., Private. 1918, March 24. t 11
Ogilvie, Alex., Private. 1918, June 1 . 142
Ormiston, Thomas, Private. 1918, April
27 137
I'aterson, John, Private. 1918, April 25 137
Peden, Adam, Private. 1917, August 22 99
Peden, Adam, Private. 1918, Sept. 3 . 162
Preston, James, Private. 1918, April 24 136
Ramsay, George, Private. 1918, July 30 148
Reid, T., Gunner. 1918, September 22 165
Renwick, Jame.s, Private. 1918, March 28 127
Richardson, R., Second-Lieut. 1918, July
26 ... • ... 147
IJicliardsoii, R. W., Sapper 1918, Mareli
30 l'^9
Ritchie, Thomas, Private. 1918, March
22 124
Ross, R. T.. Second-Lieut. 1918, Septem-
ber 29 166
Scott, Andrew, Lieut. 1917, April 18 . 81
Scott, A. D., Private. 1918, .luiu- 20 . Ill
ScoU, G., Private. 1917, NovembtM- ;)ii IIS
Scott, Irvine, I'rivate. 1917, May 11 . 8,'
Scott, John W., Lce.-Cpl. 1917, July 31 93
Scott, Tom, Lce.-Cpl. 1918, August 31 . 160
Scott. T., Private. 1918, November 29 172
Sliannon. .)ohu. I'rivate. 1917, August 9 95
Sliaw. Jauies, Cor))oral. 1917, Sept. 23 . 105
Shiel, Thomas, Private. 1918. Octolier 25 169
Sliiel-. Norman Rolf, Sapper. 1917, Seji-
I em her 14 102
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
197
PAGE
Sibbald, John, Gunner 1918, Nov. 28 . 171
Smart, G. L., Private. 1917, August 22 99
Smart, W., Private. 1918, August 4 . 151
Smith, David T., Private. 1918, Aug. 2 150
Smith, Ronald Bruce, Private. . . 187
Somerville, T., Private. 1917, August 26 100
Somerville, W., Corporal. 1918, March
28 128
Souter, W., Private. 1917, Decpuiber . llS
Stewart, Andrew, Gunner. 1917, July 12 91
Stevenson, David, Sergeant 1919, Fe)i-
ruary 20 176
Stobie, T. St. J., Private 1917, Nov. 12 116
Stuart, Alfred J. Maxwell, Sec-Lieut.
1918. August 24 157
Stuart, Harry T. Maxwell, Second-Lieut.
1917. October 9 108
Swan, T., Private. 1917, August 20 . 98
Taggart, Harry R., Second-Lieut. 1918,
July 24 146
PAUE
Tait, Gordon, Private. 1918, March 21 123
Tait, W., Lce.-Cpl. 1917, October 22 . 112
Taylor, William, Private. 1918, Nov. 10 170
Telter, Douglas, Private. 1918, April 28 138
'I'ennant, H., Second-Lieut. 1917, May 27 90
Thomson, James, Lce.-Cpl. 1917, May 9 86
Walker, W. H., Private. 1918, Jan. 22 122
Watson, James W., Trooper. 1917,
August 2 95
Watson, J., Private. 1918, March 24 . 128
W^ebber, Maurice, Private. . . . 187
Welsh, Robin M. B., Captain. 1917,
April 23 ....... 82
Williamson, William, Private. 1917,
August 22 99
Wyper, W., Private. 1918, April 10 . 132
Young, H. H., Second-I,ieut. 1918, May
26 139
Yellowlees, T., Private. 1917, Sept. 28 105
198
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
THE FALLEN MEN
(CHRONOLOGICALLY BY PARISHES)
GraJiam. Jimes Ormiston.
Buiiiett, Adam.
Hall, James.
Inch, John.
Mackie, William.
Tudhope, Thomas.
Bell, J. T. Scott.
Ketchen, John.
Sample, Gavin.
Bell, John.
BROUGHTON— Tweaty-eight.
Cochrane, George.
I'retswell, John.
Hall, William.
Henshilwood, Thomas.
Wilson, John Law.
Hunter, George W.
Swan, Thomas.
Somerville, Thomas.
Ireland, George.
Bartholomew, George H. F.
McMorran, John.
Aitken, James.
Hamilton, Robert.
Telfer, Douglas.
Brodie, W. L.
Duncan, A. N.
Graham, James.
Taylor, William.
DOLPHINTON— Two.
Mackenzie, Kenneth. Lawton, Robert.
Nichol, Robert.
Dove, Andrew Amos.
Scott, John.
Russell, George.
Richardson, David Sandeman.
McGlashan, Donald.
Mason, Robert.
Laidlaw, William.
Murray, Philip George Wolfe.
Bcns-oii, Mark.
Cole, E. J.
Walker, Charles C.
Maguire, John.
Clcgliorn, William.
Campbell, Arthur.
Smith, Archibald J.
Turnbull. James.
'I'lirnbulL George.
Ferguson, Duncan M. Grant.
Gardner, Thoma.<«.
Henderson, George G.
Sievewright, John.
Small, Adam.
Borthwick, Tliomas.
Somerville, George.
DRUMELZIER— Five.
Nelson, Thomas Arthur.
Wilson. John Law.
EDDLESTON— Twenty-seven.
Brunton, Johni.
Watson, James Fairbairn.
Gray, Alan Theodore.
Fullerton, Thomas.
McGlashan, Donald.
Olark, John Y.
Gillespie, John.
Jamieson, G.
Forgie, John.
INNERLEITHEN— Eighty.
Anderson, James.
Oliver, Edward.
Doli&rty, Andrew.
Hume, Robert.
Pringle, Joshua.
Weir, William,
Hume, John.
Richardson, Jo.«eph W.
Ridilell, Malcolm.
McLaolilan, Charles.
Leiniie, Jame.s.
Tennent. William.
Redpath, James.
AitchisoTi, James.
Scott, Tom.
Ormiston, Thomas.
Awburn, Robert J.
Hogg, William,
Mallen, Donald M,
Forsyth, William R. W,
Cockburn, Tom.
Mui-ray, Arthur A. Wolfe.
Elliot," Walter.
Murray, Sir James Wolfe,
f Boyd, George F, E.
Overend, Robert.
Douglas, George M,
Duffy, Robert,
T>;iw ton , Robert.
Mathison, William.
Thomson, James,
Dargie, George.
Brown, Thonirs.
Smart, George L.
Williamson, Willi.am.
Shiells, Norman Rolf.
Eckford, William,
Green, Francis.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
199
Ellis. John Taylor.
Kerr, George.
Burton, John.
:Mirtle, Harry.
Hume, Thomas Armslrons
Jlclntosh, William.
Stobie, T. St. J.
Grierson, Jolm.
Kelly, Alexander.
Maclennan, John A.
Doherty, John.
Watson, J.
.Murdie, Tom J.
Somerville, William.
Richardson, R. W.
Collier, J.
Burnett, J.
Bui-ton, Ale.xander.
McGiapson, J. W.
Birnie. Thomas.
Keen, William.
Blake, George.
Aitken, W.
Young, H. H.
Hall, Robert Irive.
Clark, George Brown.
Ramsay, George.
Smart, William.
Macpherson, James A. 0.
Hunnam, George.
Reid, Tom.
Hope, William.
Shiel, Thomas.
Cairie, James.
Sibbald, John;.
Scott, Thomasi.
Henderson, John.
Husband, Melvin.
Freckleton, George E.
Henderson, Thomas.
KAILZIE— Five.
Drudge, William Henry.
Tait, Ralph.
Dalgleish, Walter.
Miller, Thomas A, C.
Bai'tleman, William.
Ballantvne, William.
KIRKURD— Eight.
Telfer, William.
Miller, Archibald B.
Bartleman, Thomas Edward
Ballantyne, John.
Cochrane, Robert.
Calder, James.
LYNE AND MEGGET— rour.
Mitchell, R.
Geddes. Andrew B.
Taggart, Henry Rawson.
Dick, Joseph.
Scougall, Alexander.
Gray, Alexander.
Preston, Robert.
Bertram, George.
Wyper, Tom.
MANOR— Sixteen.
Walker, John A.
Melrose, Robert.
Bertram, William.
McCran, Patrick.
Cameron, Tom.
Fairbairn, Peter.
Scott, Jobn W.
Scott, George.
Wyper, Willie.
Eichardson, Robert.
Young, George S. H.
Dickson, Archibald.
Welsh, Da^nd H.
Scott. William Young.
Stevens, W. W.
NEWLANDS— Thirteen.
Lockie, Alex. W.
Dickson, James.
Hunter, Christopher.
Souter. William.
Dickson, Piobert.
Howard, Stewart C.
Ferguson, Charles H.
Anderson, George.
OVERSEAS— Forty-two.
(Einumerated also in their Scottish Parishes.)
Thorburn, William, Canada. Laurie, Alexander D. J., Australia.
Dick, Joseph, Canada. Inglis, Archibald, New Zealand.
Sandeman, David Eichardson, Canada Dove, Andrew Amos, Canada.
Scougall, Alexander, Canada. Redpath, James, Canada.
Aitken Family, British Columbia. Aitchison, James, Canada.
Turnbull, George, Australia. Scott, William Young, Canada.
Henderson, George C, Australia. Overend, Robert, Australia.
Clark, John, South Africa. Stirling, William, Australia.
Laurie. Clifton W. J., Australia. McNaught, James, Canada.
200
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
Stevens, William W., Australia.
Caiujjbell, James, United States.
Scott, Andrew, Canada.
Laurie, Kobert Burns, Australia.
Higgins, William Bruce, Australia.
Gray, Alan Theodore, South Africa.
Shiells, Norman Rolf, Australia.
Mcintosh, William, Canada.
Stobie, T. St .Tohn, Canada.
Booth, Patrick Dick, Canada.
Gillespie, John, South Africa.
I'orgie, John, Canada.
Keen, William, New Zealand.
Aitken, William, South America.
Ramsay, George, Australia.
Cochrane, Robert, New Zealand.
Scott, Tom, Australia.
Ijaurie, Albert Kingston, Australia.
Duncan, Arthur N., Canada.
Ballantyne, John, Australia.
Amos, James, Canada.
Campbell, Tom W., New Zealand.
Laurie, Robert, Australia.
Kelly, Alexander, Australia.
PEEBLES— Three. (Omitted from published volumes.)
I^lacdunald, John. Jxsckie, Alexander W. Baigrie, William.
Barr, William.
Carmichael, Alexander
Gibson.
D.
SKIRLING— Eight.
Lind, William.
HensJiilwood, Thomas.
Addison, William.
McMartin, John.
JMackay, David John.
Clemison, William.
Parker, William.
^IcVey, Hugh.
Crawford, Hugh.
Jervis, Robert Norrie.
Inglis, Ale.xander.
STOBO— Fourteen.
Logie, John.
McCran, Patrick.
Shannoti, John.
Mathieson, Thomas.
Brown, William.
Ogih'ie, Alexander.
Smith, David T.
Macintyre, John.
McArthur, William.
T/i.?ter, Charles A.
Clark, John.
Scott, Robert.
Dalgleish, Tom.
Stuart, Joseph Maxwell.
Stuart, Edmund Maxwell.
Wood, Andrew R.
Tennant, Edward W.
TBAQUAIR— Twenty lour.
Constable, Douglas 0,
Tennant, Mark.
Wilson, Hugh.
Brown, Tom W.
Bell, William.
Tennant, Henry.
Stewart, Andrew.
Stuart, Harry T. Maxwell.
Hunter, William.
Walker, William H.
Muir, John Wallace.
Macdonald, Peter.
Ritchie, Thomas.
Stuart, Alfred J. Maxwell.
Amos, James.
Duff, Lachlan Gordon.
Tliorburn, William.
Welsh, Tom.
Lorimer, James.
Knapp, Andrew.
Tweedie, Private.
TWEEDSMUIR- Fifteen.
Thorburn, James.
Goodfellow, John.
Wilson, John Law.
Yellowlees, Thomas.
Booth, Patrick Dick.
Iveuwick, James.
Hender&dn, Benjamin H. B,
Soott, ArchibaJd Douglas.
Ross, Robin T.
Murray, Alexander.
Egan. Edward.
Davidson, David F.
Scott, William J.
Roberts, Andrew B.
.Aifken family.
Campbell. William.
WALKERBURN— Sixty two.
Thomson, Thomas
Grieve, Harry.
Watson, Wiliiam D.
Douglas, William.
Fnirbairn, Robert.
Luke, George.
Lowric, .Vmlicw.
Murray, Albert.
Foarest, Henry.
AitktMi, James T.
Ilnnir, George.
Jolinstiin, David.
County of Peebles Book of Remembrance.
201
Lunn, George.
Bertram, Thomafi.
Iiiglis, Aa-chibald.
Moritz, Oscar Frajik.
Stewart, Alexander Shaw.
Ritoliie, Jolin.
Biggar, Arthur.
Robson, WiUlam.
Park, George.
Watson, William.
Lees, Robert.
Stirling, William.
McNaught, James.
McFadyen, Joihin.
Little, G .R.
Maule, Dickson.
Campbell, Jamea,
Scott, Thomas.
Cliaimers, George.
Scott, Andrew.
Welsli, Robert M. B.
Aird, Alexander.
Scott, Irvine.
Keith, Frederick
Watson, James Fairbairii
Peden, Adam.
Shaw, James.
Tait, WiUie.
French, Robert
Douglas, Robert.
Tait, Gordon.
Tumbull, Anthony McCut
cheon.
Preston, James.
Paterson, Jolm.
Blaikie, Robert.
Berry, James R.
Biggar, David F.
Peden, Alexander. 353386.
Grant, Robert.
Inglis, Robert D.
Campbell, Tom W.
Stevenson, David.
AiTnitage, John W.
MoiTison, George.
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